Adzuki Bean and Coix Seed Carp Soup: A Traditional Tonic for Dampness

Adzuki Bean and Coix Seed Carp Soup – Medicinal Food Education

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Red Bean and Coix Seed Carp Soup is a time-honored traditional Chinese medicinal dietary therapy recipe, widely popular among the people, especially prevalent in the Jiangnan water town regions. This soup features carp as the main ingredient, combined with two medicinal and edible ingredients: red beans (Adzuki bean, Semen Phaseoli Calcarati) and coix seeds (Coix seed, Semen Coicis). It is slow-simmered over gentle heat, resulting in a milky white broth with a rich, mellow flavor that balances savory taste and herbal aroma.

This medicinal diet was first recorded in the *Shi Liao Ben Cao* (Materia Medica for Dietotherapy) during the Tang Dynasty, and has been highly regarded by physicians throughout the ages. In the Yuan Dynasty, the *Yin Shan Zheng Yao* (Principles of Correct Diet) includes a detailed description of a similar formula, stating that it can “promote urination to reduce edema, fortify the Spleen and dispel Dampness.” The Adzuki Bean and Coix Seed and Common Carp Soup (Chi Xiao Dou Yi Ren Li Yu Tang) is not only a common household soup but also a typical representative of the TCM concept of “food-medicine homology,” skillfully integrating the nutritional value of food with the therapeutic effects of medicine. It is suitable as a health-promoting diet for dispelling Dampness in spring and relieving summer heat in summer.

Efficacy of Medicinal Cuisine

The core effects of Adzuki Bean and Coix Seed Carp Soup are to fortify the Spleen and promote diuresis, as well as to clear Heat and eliminate Dampness. Carp itself has the actions of promoting diuresis and reducing edema, promoting lactation and descending Qi. Adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) can promote diuresis and eliminate Dampness, harmonize the Blood and expel pus. Coix seed (Semen Coicis) excels at fortifying the Spleen and percolating Dampness, relaxing the sinews and relieving Bi syndrome. When used together, they can significantly enhance the body’s fluid metabolism, expel excess Dampness, and alleviate various discomforts caused by internal stagnation of water-dampness.

Modern nutritional studies have found that carp is rich in high-quality protein and various amino acids, while Vigna umbellata (red bean) and Coix lacryma-jobi (coix seed) are abundant in dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. Together, they help regulate the body’s osmotic pressure and promote sodium excretion, thereby supporting blood pressure and lipid reduction. Additionally, this soup can enhance immune function, alleviate fatigue, and provide beneficial adjunctive treatment for mild edema caused by conditions such as chronic nephritis and nephrotic syndrome.

Main mechanism of action

This medicinal diet tonifies the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach, restoring the Spleen’s function of transporting and transforming water-dampness, thereby reducing the generation of dampness-turbidity at its source. Meanwhile, the diuretic effects of carp (Cyprinus carpio) and adzuki beans (Vigna angularis) directly increase urine output, accelerating the elimination of metabolic waste, thus forming a dual regulatory pathway of “strengthening the Spleen and draining dampness.”

Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine

From the perspective of TCM pattern differentiation, the Red Bean and Coix Seed Carp Decoction primarily acts on the Spleen (SP), Kidney (KI), and Bladder (BL) meridians. In TCM theory, the Spleen governs transportation and transformation of fluids; if the Spleen is deficient and fails to transport, water-dampness accumulates internally, manifesting as edema of the limbs, difficult urination, loose stools, and other symptoms. In this formula, Coix Seed (Semen Coicis, Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen) is sweet, bland, and slightly cold, entering the Spleen meridian specifically to percolate dampness and fortify the Spleen. Adzuki Bean (Semen Phaseoli, Vigna angularis) is sour, sweet, and neutral in nature, entering the Heart (HT) and Small Intestine (SI) meridians, excelling in descending to promote urination and guiding turbid dampness to be expelled through the Bladder.

According to the *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica), common carp (Cyprinus carpio) “when boiled and eaten, disperses water qi and promotes urination.” Its nature is neutral, flavor sweet, and it enters the Spleen (SP) and Kidney (KI) meridians. It can tonify the Spleen and strengthen the Stomach, unblock the channels, and promote lactation. Combined with two other ingredients (one tonifying, one draining, one percolating), the formula achieves a balance: tonification without stagnation, drainage without damaging the righteous qi. It is especially suitable for the pattern of “Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Exuberance.” For individuals presenting with an enlarged tongue body with teeth marks on the edges, a white greasy or slippery greasy coating, and a soft, moderate pulse, this soup can effectively improve the internal damp-turbid environment, restoring the normal ascending-descending and exiting-entering rhythm of qi movement.

Suitable Population

Red Bean and Coix Seed Carp Soup is most suitable for individuals with the “Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Encumbrance” constitution, commonly presenting with a heavy sensation in the body, limb edema (especially pronounced in the lower limbs), poor appetite, sticky, unformed stools, and a white, thick, and greasy tongue coating. Additionally, those who live in damp environments, engage in prolonged water-related work, or prefer raw, cold, and greasy foods are also prone to internal retention of dampness, and this soup is ideal as a daily dietary remedy for them.

This soup also provides good adjunctive value for specific patient groups, such as mild edema due to chronic nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and heart failure, as well as individuals with hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, or obesity accompanied by metabolic syndrome. For postpartum women with insufficient lactation or blocked milk ducts, consuming this soup can promote lactation while facilitating the discharge of lochia and aiding postpartum recovery. Middle-aged and elderly men with urinary difficulty caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia may also consume it in moderation under medical guidance.

Contraindicated Populations

Although the red bean and coix seed carp soup has a neutral medicinal nature, it is not suitable for everyone. The following individuals should use it with caution or avoid it entirely: First, those with yin deficiency with fluid depletion—presenting with dry mouth and throat, red tongue with scanty coating, dry stools, and heat in the palms and soles—because the dampness-draining effect of coix seed (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen) and red bean (Vigna umbellata) will further consume yin fluids and aggravate deficient fire. Second, pregnant women and women planning pregnancy. Coix seed has a stimulatory effect on uterine smooth muscle, which may induce uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage. It is contraindicated for pregnant women.

Third, patients with severe renal insufficiency accompanied by uremia and hyperkalemia must strictly limit fluid and protein intake and should not casually consume this soup. Fourth, individuals allergic to Carp (Cyprinus carpio) or those suffering from allergic purpura or in the acute phase of eczema should avoid consumption. Fifth, those with severe Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency, frequent diarrhea, and cold pain in the abdomen may reduce the dosage of Coix Seed (Semen Coicis, Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen) and combine it with warming middle burner ingredients such as Fresh Ginger (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) and Black Pepper (Fructus Piperis Nigri) to counteract the cold nature, or consume it under the guidance of a physician.

Herbal formula ingredient ratios

Here is the precise recipe for one serving (approximately 500 ml of soup): 1 live common carp (about 400 g, preferably under 500 g), 40 g red bean (adzuki bean, *Vigna angularis*), 30 g coix seed (Job’s tears, *Coix lacryma-jobi*). Supporting ingredients: 15 g fresh ginger (about 5–6 slices), 2 sections of scallion white (each about 5 cm), 10 ml yellow rice wine (Shaoxing wine), 2 g salt (for final seasoning), 1 g white pepper powder (optional), 1500 ml drinking water (about one-third will evaporate during simmering).

For a family of three, increase proportionally: 1 common carp (Cyprinus carpio, about 600–800 g), 120 g adzuki bean (Phaseoli Semen), 90 g coix seed (Coicis Semen), 30 g fresh ginger (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), 3 segments scallion (Allii Fistulosi Herba), 20 ml yellow wine, 4 g salt, and 2500–3000 ml drinking water. Note that both the adzuki bean and coix seed should be soaked in cold water for at least 4 hours in advance—preferably overnight—to allow full water absorption, thereby reducing cooking time and promoting the extraction of active constituents.

Cooking method

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Soak red beans (*Phaseolus calcaratus*, Red Beans) and coix seeds (*Coix lacryma-jobi*, Coix Seed) in advance for 4–6 hours; if the weather is hot, place them in the refrigerator to soak to prevent spoilage. Scale the carp, remove the gills and internal organs, and especially scrape off the black membrane inside the belly (the main source of fishy odor). Rinse thoroughly and drain. Make three diagonal cuts (about 0.5 cm deep) on each side of the fish to facilitate flavor absorption and medicinal penetration.

Step 2: Pan-fry the fish to set the shape. Heat a wok over medium heat, then add a small amount of cooking oil (approximately 5 mL). Swirl the wok to evenly coat the bottom with oil, then place the carp in the wok. Pan-fry over medium heat until both sides turn light golden brown and the fish is set. Avoid turning it frequently; cook each side for about 2 minutes. This step effectively removes any fishy odor and prevents the fish flesh from breaking apart during simmering. Once fried, add Shaoxing rice wine (yellow wine), swirl the wok to allow the alcohol to evaporate, then add ginger slices and scallion sections, and stir-fry until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmering into Soup. Transfer the pan-fried carp along with ginger and scallions into a clay pot or stew pot. Add the soaked adzuki beans (Phaseolus calcaratus, Red Bean) and coix seeds (Coix lacryma-jobi, Job’s Tears), including the soaking water to retain dissolved nutrients. Then add enough drinking water to completely submerge the ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off any foam, then reduce to low heat and gently simmer for 1.5–2 hours until the broth becomes thick and white, the beans are tender, and the fish flesh can be easily separated from the bones with a light poke of chopsticks. Five minutes before turning off the heat, season with salt and white pepper, stir well, and serve.

Tips for Taking

The best time to drink is between 9–11 AM (Spleen Meridian time) or 3–5 PM (Bladder Meridian time), when the body’s yang qi is abundant and its transformation and metabolism functions are strongest, allowing for more complete absorption of the medicinal effects. Consume one small bowl (approximately 200 ml) per serving, 2–3 times per week, for no more than 4 consecutive weeks as one course of treatment.

2. This decoction should be consumed warm, not iced or cold. Because both Coix seed (Semen Coicis) and Adzuki bean (Semen Phaseoli) are relatively cold in nature, consuming them cold can easily damage Spleen yang, thereby aggravating Dampness. If there is leftover decoction, it should be stored refrigerated and reheated for consumption within 24 hours. When reheating, use a clay pot or steamer, and avoid using a microwave oven to prevent damaging the medicinal components.

3. During the consumption period, reduce intake of raw and cold fruits, sweet and greasy pastries, oily fried foods, and beer, as these foods promote dampness and generate phlegm, counteracting the effects of the medicinal diet. To enhance synergy, you may also drink water infused with 5g of dried tangerine peel (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) or consume foods that promote diuresis, such as white radish (Raphanus sativus) and winter melon (Benincasa hispida). If signs of excessive diuresis appear, such as dry mouth, frequent urination, or fatigue, discontinue use and consult a TCM practitioner to adjust the formula.

4. This product should not be taken during acute febrile infection or when suffering from sore throat with swelling and pain, as fish is considered a hair-raising (allergenic) food that may aggravate inflammatory reactions. If allergic symptoms such as rash or pruritus occur after ingestion, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.