Longan and Euryale Seed Stewed Turtle: A Classic Nourishing Medicinal Diet

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Longan and Euryale Seed Stewed Turtle is a traditional Chinese medicinal diet that combines nourishing and regulating effects, and has been passed down among the people for a long time. This medicinal stew uses fresh turtle as the main ingredient, paired with longan aril (Arillus Longan) and euryale seed (Semen Euryales), supplemented with small amounts of fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.), and slowly simmered over low heat. The resulting broth is clear and bright, with a rich, mellow flavor—offering the savory taste of meat, the sweetness of longan, and the soft, sticky texture of euryale seed, leaving a lingering aftertaste that delights the palate. Longan is listed as a top-grade herb in the Shennong Bencao Jing (Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), and is often praised with the saying, “In the south, longan; in the north, ginseng.” Euryale seed is called “water ginseng” in the Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica). Turtle has been regarded since ancient times as an excellent ingredient for nourishing yin and extending life. The combination of these three ingredients creates a truly superior medicinal diet.

The origin of this medicinal diet is closely related to the health preservation culture of the Lingnan region, where the local climate is hot and humid. People often incorporate turtles into their meals to achieve the effects of clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and calming the spirit. The combination of Longan (Arillus Longan) and Gordon Euryale Seed (Semen Euryales) not only tonifies the heart and spleen but also consolidates the kidney and astringes essence, perfectly complementing the turtle’s property of nourishing yin and suppressing yang. During autumn and winter, many families stew this medicinal diet to regulate the body, especially favored by the elderly and those with weak constitutions. Through continuous improvements by medicinal diet experts across generations, today’s Longan and Gordon Euryale Seed Stewed Turtle has become more refined in ingredient selection and cooking techniques, establishing itself as a classic nourishing soup that balances flavor and efficacy.

Cultural background of medicinal diet

In Chinese traditional culture, the turtle (Plastrum Testudinis) symbolizes longevity and auspiciousness; longan (Arillus Longan) signifies reunion and sweetness; and Gordon euryale seed (Semen Euryales) represents astringency and consolidating the root. This medicinal cuisine incorporates multiple auspicious meanings, not only as a delicacy but also as a bearer of people’s aspirations for health and happiness. In regions such as Guangdong and Fujian, this soup is commonly served at family banquets or used for seasonal nourishment, making it an indispensable part of medicinal cuisine culture.

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

The primary efficacy of Longan and Gorgon Fruit Stewed Turtle lies in tonifying the Heart and Spleen, as well as nourishing Blood and calming the Spirit. Longan Aril (Arillus Longan) is rich in glucose, protein, and various vitamins, and can directly act on the central nervous system to induce a calming and tranquilizing effect. For symptoms such as palpitations, insomnia, and poor memory caused by excessive worry and overstrain damaging the Heart and Spleen, this medicinal diet can provide significant improvement. Turtle meat itself contains abundant animal gelatin and various amino acids; when combined with Longan, its effect on nourishing Blood and calming the Heart is even more pronounced. Long-term consumption can enhance memory and stabilize mood, making it especially suitable for mental workers and menopausal individuals.

Secondly, this medicinal diet has the dual effects of consolidating the kidney and astringing essence, as well as fortifying the spleen and dispelling dampness. Gordon Euryale seed (Euryale ferox), known as a “dual supplement for the spleen and kidney,” has a neutral nature with sweet and astringent tastes. It effectively addresses issues such as emission, premature ejaculation, and frequent urination at night caused by kidney qi insecurity. At the same time, Gordon Euryale seed promotes the transportation and transformation function of the spleen and stomach, helping the body expel dampness and alleviating problems like loose stools and poor appetite due to spleen deficiency with exuberant dampness. The yin-nourishing effect of turtle balances the body’s yin fluids, complementing the astringent action of Gordon Euryale seed to achieve an ideal state of “tonifying without causing dryness, and astringing without causing stagnation.” This makes this medicinal diet remarkably effective in regulating conditions such as chronic diarrhea and abnormal vaginal discharge.

Anti-fatigue and Delaying Aging

Modern research has also found that the various active components in the stewed turtle with longan (Dimocarpus longan) and foxnut (Euryale ferox) possess antioxidant effects, which help eliminate free radicals in the body and slow down the cellular aging process. The collagen in turtle meat works synergistically with the vitamin C in longan to support skin elasticity and joint health. This medicated diet also aids in alleviating fatigue and enhancing immunity, making it suitable for individuals with post-illness deficiency or those in a long-term sub-health state as part of daily regulation.

Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, the “Longan and Gordon Euryale Seed Stewed Turtle” (Longan Euryale Turtle Soup) employs the three methods of “Supplementing, Securing, and Moistening” to directly target the Heart, Spleen, and Kidneys. Longan (Arillus Longan) is sweet in flavor and warm in nature, entering the Heart and Spleen Meridians; it excels in supplementing the Heart and Spleen, nourishing Blood and calming the Spirit, and is directly effective for conditions of Heart Blood insufficiency or dual deficiency of Heart and Spleen. Gordon Euryale Seed (Semen Euryales) is sweet and astringent in flavor, neutral in nature, and enters the Spleen and Kidney Meridians; it is adept at fortifying the Spleen to stop diarrhea, securing the Kidneys to arrest seminal emission, and can astringe the subtle substances lost due to deficiency. Turtle meat (Carapax et Plastrum Testudinis / turtle flesh) is sweet and salty in flavor, neutral in nature, and enters the Liver and Kidney Meridians; its function is to nourish Yin and subdue Yang, supplement Blood and stop bleeding, making it especially suitable for constitutions with Yin deficiency with internal heat or Yang hyperactivity. When these three ingredients are combined, the Heart and Spleen are supplemented, Kidney essence is secured, and Yin fluids are replenished, forming a complete chain of regulation.

Specifically, the clinical application of this medicinal meal in Traditional Chinese Medicine is primarily reflected in the following two aspects. First, it addresses the pattern of **Heart and Kidney Disharmony** (heart-kidney non-interaction), which manifests as insomnia, irritability, and soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees due to hyperactivity of heart fire and insufficiency of kidney water. Longan (Arillus Longan) nourishes heart blood to restrain heart fire, Gordon Euryale Seed (Semen Euryales) consolidates kidney essence to support kidney water, and Turtle (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) enriches yin to descend deficient fire. Together, these three ingredients enable water and fire to become harmonized, allowing the heart and kidney to interact. Second, it addresses the pattern of **Spleen and Kidney Deficiency**, which manifests as diarrhea, nocturnal emission, and leukorrhea due to the spleen’s inability to transport and transform water and grain, and the kidney’s failure to consolidate essence. The combination of Gordon Euryale Seed and Turtle not only strengthens the spleen to stop diarrhea but also consolidates the kidney to astringe essence, while Longan enhances the overall transportation and transformation functions by supplementing the heart and spleen, making the tonifying effect more enduring.

The Ascending, Descending, Floating, and Sinking Properties of Food Ingredients

From the perspective of ascending, descending, floating, and sinking, both Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) and Euryale Seed (Euryale ferox Salisb.) possess an ascending and floating nature, capable of raising the body’s yang qi and enhancing astringent strength. In contrast, Turtle Meat (Pelodiscus sinensis) has a descending and sinking nature, which can lead fire back to its origin, nourish yin, and subdue yang. This “one ascending, one descending”配伍 method ensures that the medicinal food achieves an overall balanced state—neither too warm and drying nor too cold and harsh. Therefore, this medicated diet is suitable for individuals with various constitutions under the guidance of professionals, embodying the exquisite essence of the TCM principle that “medicine and food share the same origin.”

Target Population

Longan, Fox Nut, and Turtle Stew is especially suitable for individuals with Heart-Spleen Deficiency (心脾两虚) and Qi and Blood Deficiency (气血不足). Such individuals typically present with sallow complexion, mental fatigue and physical weakness, palpitations and shortness of breath, insomnia and excessive dreaming. In women, there may also be scanty menstruation with pale color. The blood-tonifying effects of Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour., Longan Aril) and Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) can rapidly improve ischemic conditions, while Fox Nut (Euryale ferox Salisb., Gordon Euryale Seed) consolidates the absorption function of the Spleen and Stomach, making the tonifying effect more lasting. For office workers who engage in prolonged mental labor, frequently stay up late, and endure significant mental stress, this medicinal diet can help restore energy and improve sleep quality, making it an ideal nourishing soup.

In addition, this medicinal food is also significantly helpful for individuals with spleen and kidney not securing (spleen-kidney insecurity) and predominant dampness. If you frequently experience soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, frequent urination, loose stools, or clear, thin, profuse vaginal discharge in women, you may consider consuming it. Among its ingredients, the astringent action of Euryale ferox seed (Gordon Euryale seed) effectively reduces the loss of essential substances, while the yin-nourishing property of turtle (soft-shelled turtle, *Pelodiscus sinensis*) alleviates the sensation of internal heat caused by deficiency consumption. Menopausal individuals, the elderly, and those with chronic diarrhea may also use it as an adjunctive regulating measure. For individuals with post-illness or postpartum deficiency and weakness requiring high-quality protein and collagen, this medicinal food is likewise a suitable choice.

Contraindicated populations

Although longan (Dimocarpus longan) and euryale seed (Euryale ferox) stewed with turtle provides significant nourishing effects, it is not suitable for everyone. Those with exuberant interior damp-heat should use it with caution; this pattern commonly manifests as a bitter taste and dry mouth, a yellow and greasy tongue coating, sticky and sluggish stools, or a tendency to develop skin sores and ulcers. Longan is warm in nature and has a cloying, greasy quality, while euryale seed exerts a strong astringent effect; together, they may exacerbate internal damp-heat, aggravating the original symptoms. If you are currently experiencing a common cold with fever or are in the midst of an acute infection, it is also advised to temporarily discontinue use and resume nourishment only after full recovery, so as to avoid “closing the door to trap the pathogen” and hindering the elimination of the pathogenic factor.

Additionally, individuals with certain constitutions may be intolerant to some ingredients in this medicinal diet. For example, turtle (Chinemys reevesii) is a high-protein food, so people with protein allergies, gout, or hyperuricemia should consume it with caution. Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) has a high sugar content, so diabetic patients must strictly control their intake. Fox nut (Euryale ferox Salisb.) contains a significant amount of starch, making it unsuitable for those with dyspepsia or intestinal obstruction if consumed in excess. Pregnant women should consult a professional TCM practitioner before consumption to avoid disturbing fetal qi due to the warm-natured tonic property of this diet. In general, healthy individuals may consume it in moderation during autumn and winter tonification, but they should be careful not to overindulge, as this could lead to excessive heat or dyspepsia.

Ratio of ingredients in the medicinal food formula

Stewed Turtle with Longan Aril (Euphoria longan) and Gordon Euryale Seed (Euryale ferox) requires precise proportions to achieve optimal effects. For a two-serving portion, the main ingredient ratios are: one fresh turtle, approximately 500 grams (1.1 lb) preferred; Longan Aril 30 grams, preferably high-quality dried longan with plump flesh and golden-yellow color; Gordon Euryale Seed 20 grams, select whole seeds with no insect damage. Supplementary ingredients include: Fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 10 grams (sliced), Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum) 5 grams, Chinese Date (Ziziphus jujuba) 3 pieces (pitted), Salt appropriate amount, Cooking Wine 10 ml, and Fresh Water approximately 1500 ml. If a richer flavor is desired, you may add 2 slices of Chinese Angelica Root (Angelica sinensis) or a small amount of Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus), but it is not recommended to add excessive seasonings so as not to mask the natural flavors of the ingredients.

In practical preparation, the selection of turtle is crucial. It is recommended to use a live turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) slaughtered on the spot, as this ensures tender meat and maximizes nutrient retention. If conditions are limited, high-quality frozen turtle pieces can be used as a substitute, though the texture and efficacy may be somewhat reduced. The ratio of Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) to Euryale seed (Euryale ferox Salisb.) can be slightly adjusted according to individual constitution: if the goal is to calm the Mind (Shen), increase Longan to 35 g; if the priority is to consolidate the Kidneys, increase Euryale seed to 25 g. In addition, seasonal adjustments can be made: in summer, reduce Longan and add Goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) to clear Heat; in winter, appropriately increase Longan to enhance warming and tonifying effects.

Preparation Method

The preparation of Longan, Foxnut, and Turtle Stew is not complex, but requires patient slow simmering to fully release the essence of the ingredients. Step one: Prepare the turtle. Scald the live turtle with boiling water until dead, then remove the shell and internal organs, chop off the head, tail, and claws, and cut the meat into 3–4 cm pieces. Rinse repeatedly with clean water to remove blood, then place the meat in a pot of cold water with two slices of fresh ginger and a little cooking wine. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off any foam, remove the turtle pieces, and rinse with warm water before setting aside. The purpose of this step is to eliminate the fishy odor and impurities from the turtle, resulting in a clearer and more flavorful broth.

Step 2: Prepare the supplementary ingredients and simmering. Soak Gordon Euryale seeds (Semen Euryales) in clean water for 40 minutes to 1 hour in advance to allow full absorption and softening. Briefly rinse Longan aril (Arillus Longan), Goji berries (Fructus Lycii, also known as Wolfberries), and Red dates (Fructus Jujubae) with water. Take an appropriate stew pot (a ceramic or clay pot is preferred), place the blanched turtle meat into the pot, add the soaked Gordon Euryale seeds, Longan aril, ginger slices, and Red dates. Pour in 1500 ml of clean water (or adjust according to the size of the pot, ensuring the ingredients are covered by about 3 cm of water). First bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the turtle meat is tender and falls apart, and the soup turns milky white. Add the Goji berries and salt for seasoning 5 minutes before turning off the heat. Goji berries should not be cooked for too long to preserve their nutrients and color. Once done, ladle the soup into bowls and serve. You may sprinkle a little chopped green onion or cilantro on top for extra aroma according to personal preference.

Cooking Tips

If time is limited, a pressure cooker can also be used. After reaching full pressure, reduce to low heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. However, it is worth noting that soups prepared in a pressure cooker are slightly inferior in both taste and nourishing effect compared to slow-cooked ones. Additionally, try to open the lid as little as possible during cooking to prevent the aroma from escaping. After cooking, if there is a small amount of oil floating on the surface, you can gently skim it off with a spoon to make the soup clearer and more refreshing.

Drinking Tips

First, it is recommended to consume Longan (Dimocarpus longan) and Fox Nut (Euryale ferox) Stewed Turtle on an empty stomach, approximately one hour before a meal, as this facilitates better absorption of nutrients by the digestive system. Consume once daily, with a small bowl (approximately 200–250 ml) each time. A course of regulation typically lasts 3–5 consecutive days, followed by a one-week interval before resuming. For routine health maintenance, 1–2 servings per week are sufficient; excessive frequency is unnecessary. Overconsumption may increase the burden on the Spleen and Stomach, potentially counteracting health benefits. For individuals with constitutional deficiency requiring long-term regulation, it is advisable to develop a personalized consumption plan under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner.

Second, when consuming this medicinal food, avoid simultaneously eating raw or cold, greasy, or spicy and stimulating foods, so as not to impair its warming and tonifying effects. For example, try to avoid ice cream, cold drinks, fried foods, or excessive chili within two hours before and after consumption. Additionally, during the period of consumption, avoid drinking large amounts of tea, especially strong tea, as the tannic acid in tea may affect the absorption of protein and iron. If you enjoy drinking tea, it is recommended to wait at least one hour before drinking, and opt for mild black tea or ripe pu’er tea (Shou Pu’er) as the best choice.

Third, any leftover medicinal food can be stored in the refrigerator, but should not be kept for more than two days. When reheating, it must be thoroughly heated—preferably brought to a gentle boil over low heat—to ensure food safety. Note that the Longan and Euryale Seed Stewed Turtle (Longan Arillus, Euryale Semen, and Turtle Testudinis) should not be repeatedly reheated; only take the portion needed each time and heat that amount. If the medicinal food develops an off odor or the soup becomes cloudy, it has spoiled and should be discarded. Additionally, for individuals with a heat-prone constitution or those prone to internal heat (excessive heat), it is advisable to pair the dish with cool-natured vegetables such as Winter Melon (Benincasa hispida) or Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) to balance its nature. Alternatively, adding a small amount of Ophiopogon Root (Ophiopogon japonicus) and Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum odoratum)—herbs that clear heat and nourish yin—can both enhance the flavor and prevent the discomfort of excessive warming supplementation.