Mung Bean & Kelp Soup (绿豆海带汤).
Traditional Logic
"In the traditional view, excess Heat can gather in the Heart and Liver meridians, like summer air trapped in a closed room. Mung bean opens the window with a cooling breeze. Kelp moves the body's waters, while tangerine peel keeps the coolness from weighing down the Spleen Fire."
The Goal & Why It Works
"Cooling excess inner heat so the body feels clearer, calmer, and less restless."
A traditional summer bowl for clearing Heat. Mung beans cool, kelp moves the waters, and tangerine peel keeps the middle from becoming heavy.
The Ingredients
50g Mung Bean (绿豆)
The master of cooling. It binds to the internal heat of the heart and liver, drawing it safely out of the system.
20g Dried Kelp (海带)
The fluid mover. A treasure from the sea that softens hardness and encourages the smooth flow of the body's waters.
3g Aged Tangerine Peel (陈皮)
The Qi regulator. Its warming nature ensures the cooling formula moves freely without dampening your internal fire.
Steps
Gentle Awakening
Soak mung beans in cold water for a minimum of 2 hours. This softens the bean and prepares its vital energy to be released into the water.
Sequential Addition
Drain soaked beans. Add to 800ml cold water and bring to a boil. Add kelp and tangerine peel, then simmer uncovered so the steam can rise.
The Opening
Continue simmering until the beans split open and expand fully. This indicates that the cooling essence has been fully released. Do not add sugar, as it can trap heat within.
Practice FAQ
Inner Heat and Irritability: Is this soup right for me? +
Best Time: When should I eat it? +
Gentle Cautions: When should I skip it? +
Best Window
Best in hot weather, after sun exposure, or during stressful periods when the body feels warm and irritable. Skip it when you feel chilled, pale, depleted, or very cold in the stomach.