Mung Bean Spot-Removing Decoction: Recipe, Benefits & How to Use

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Mung Bean Spot-Removing Decoction (绿豆去斑汤) is a time-honored traditional medicinal diet favored by those seeking beauty. Since ancient times, it has been used to regulate skin tone and reduce dullness. This decoction is made primarily with Vigna radiata (mung bean), supplemented with Lilium brownii (lily bulb) and Angelica dahurica (Chinese angelica)—all substances that are both medicinal and edible—slowly simmered to produce a clear green soup with a refreshing, moist texture. According to traditional Chinese medicine, facial spots (melasma) are mostly caused by internal heat accumulation, qi and blood stagnation, or upward invasion of dampness‑turbidity. Mung Bean Spot-Removing Decoction works by clearing heat and draining dampness, resolving toxicity and dissipating masses, thereby improving the skin condition from the inside out.

In modern dietary environments, frequent consumption of spicy and greasy foods, combined with unhealthy lifestyle habits such as staying up late and stress, can easily lead to the accumulation of Heat Toxin (redu) in the body, which manifests on the face as various types of spots. Mung Bean Decoction for Spot Removal (Lǜ Dòu Qù Bān Tāng) serves as a gentle food therapy formula—neither as harsh as pharmaceutical drugs yet possessing beautifying effects—making it especially suitable for consumption during spring and summer or when Damp-Heat (shīrè) is more pronounced. Its preparation is simple and inexpensive: merely one bowl daily, persisted over several weeks, can gradually even out the complexion and lighten the spots.

The Origins of Medicinal Diet

Tracing its origins, the Mung Bean Freckle-Removing Soup first appeared in the Ming Dynasty *Pu Ji Fang* (Prescriptions for Universal Relief) as a “Formula for Removing Facial Freckles.” It was later continuously refined by folk medical practitioners, who incorporated the principles of Lily Bulb (Bai He, *Lilium brownii*) to moisten the Lung and Angelica Dahurica Root (Bai Zhi, *Angelica dahurica*) to guide the meridians, eventually forming the present-day formula. The Qing Dynasty *Ben Cao Gang Mu Shi Yi* (Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica) also records: “Mung Bean (Lu Dou, *Vigna radiata*) resolves all toxins from metals, minerals, arsenic, and plants, giving the face a lustrous complexion.” Thus, its cosmetic benefits have long been affirmed by ancient scholars.

Efficacy of Medicated Diet

The primary efficacy of **Mung Bean Spot-Clearing Soup** lies in clearing heat-toxin and fading pigmentation. When consumed consistently over a period, it can effectively reduce facial melasma, sun spots, and acne scars, restoring the skin’s fair and smooth texture. Its mechanism of action is not merely bleaching; rather, it removes heat-toxin from the blood and internal organs (zang-fu), thereby blocking the deeper triggers that lead to pigmentation formation.

In addition to removing spots, this soup can also improve issues such as oily skin, acne, and pimples. The flavonoids in mung bean (Vigna radiata) have antioxidant effects, reducing the stimulation of melanocytes by free radicals. Meanwhile, lily bulb (Lilium brownii) is rich in mucilage and vitamins, helping to maintain skin moisture and elasticity, resulting in a bright and translucent complexion. Many women drink this soup before and after menstruation, and it can also relieve dull complexion caused by disharmony of qi and blood.

Actions of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, the core actions of Mung Bean Spot-Removing Decoction center on “clearing heat, draining dampness, resolving toxin, and transforming stasis.” Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) is cool in nature and sweet in flavor, entering the Heart (HT) and Stomach (ST) meridians; it clears summerheat, relieves irritability and thirst, and is especially adept at resolving all types of heat toxin. Lily Bulb (Lilium brownii) is sweet and cold, returning to the Lung (LU) and Heart (HT) meridians; it moistens the Lung, calms the Spirit, and clears heat in the qi aspect, thereby preventing heat toxin from ascending to the face. Dahurian Angelica Root (Angelica dahurica) is pungent and warm, entering the Lung (LU) and Stomach (ST) meridians; it is adept at coursing through the Yangming Meridian (the face pertains to Yangming), dispels wind and drains dampness, unblocks the orifices and expels pus, and guides medicinals upward to the face, with a specific function of “removing facial spots and blemishes.”

The three ingredients used together are cool but not cold, disperse without being drying, thereby resolving the damp-heat turbid qi disturbing the face and activating the stagnant blood vessels. Some physicians add a small amount of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Tangerine Peel) to regulate qi and harmonize the Middle, adjusting the medicinal properties to prevent cold from damaging the Stomach. Overall, the effect is like a drumstick hitting a drum—immediate and pronounced—treating both the manifestation of spots and the root toxicity. It is particularly effective for the pattern of Liver Depression Transforming Heat and Spleen Dampness Generating Phlegm type of facial pigmentation.

Indications

This formula is most suitable for individuals with a dull complexion, uneven skin tone, or the presence of chloasma (melasma), sunspots, or freckles—especially those whose pigmentation has deepened due to prolonged sun exposure, late nights, or a diet rich in hot and drying foods. For individuals with a Damp-Heat constitution (commonly presenting with a yellow, greasy tongue coating, an oily facial complexion, and sticky stools) accompanied by mild acne or acne scars, this soup also demonstrates significant improvement.

Women approaching menopause are prone to developing spots due to endocrine fluctuations; this decoction can also be used as a daily health drink. Additionally, individuals who are frequently exposed to high-temperature environments or computer radiation may benefit from regular consumption of Mung Bean Decoction for Removing Spots (绿豆去斑汤), which helps reduce skin damage caused by oxidation and accumulation of heat toxin. As long as spleen and stomach function is normal and there are no deficiency-cold manifestations, the vast majority of people can safely enjoy it.

Contraindicated Populations

For individuals with Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold (commonly presenting with stomach pain that is relieved by pressure, poor appetite with loose stools, and cold extremities), excessive consumption should be avoided. Mung bean (Phaseolus radiatus) is cool in nature, and overuse may damage Spleen Yang, triggering diarrhea or indigestion. If such individuals wish to consume it, they should add three slices of fresh ginger (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) to counteract its cold nature. Pregnant women should use with caution during the first trimester, as mung bean has a strong qi-breaking effect, and Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae) is slightly toxic and may stimulate the uterus. It is advisable to consume only in small amounts after the second trimester under the guidance of a TCM practitioner.

Women during menstruation, especially those with heavy menstrual flow, should avoid consuming this soup during their period to prevent cold congealing blood stasis from causing dysmenorrhea or a sudden decrease in menstrual flow. Additionally, it is contraindicated in individuals with severe allergy to legume protein. It should be noted that this soup should not be taken concomitantly with warming and tonifying medicinals in Traditional Chinese Medicine (such as Panax ginseng and Astragalus membranaceus), as it may diminish their warming and tonifying effect; it is best to take them with an interval of at least two hours.

Ingredient Formula Proportions

Main ingredient: Mung bean (Vigna radiata) 100 g (approx. 1/2 cup). Supplementary ingredients: Dried Lily Bulb (Bulbus Lilii) 20 g, Dahurian Angelica Root (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae) 10 g, Dried Tangerine Peel (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) 3 g. Seasoning: Rock sugar 30 g (adjust to taste), plain water 1500 ml. This is a three-dose quantity for one person; take approximately 500 ml each time.

If used for sun repair or acute heat acne, you may additionally add 5 g of Lonicera japonica (honeysuckle flower), added toward the end (during the last 5 minutes of decoction). If the skin is notably dry, increase Lilium brownii (lily bulb) to 30 g. All medicinal materials should be of high quality, dried, and free from mold; Vigna radiata (mung bean) should be plump, full-grained, and bright green in color. Note: The dosage of Angelica dahurica (dahurian angelica root) must not exceed 15 g, or it may cause dizziness and discomfort.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Rinse the mung beans (Vigna radiata) thoroughly, then soak them in warm water for at least 2 hours, or preferably refrigerate them overnight for easier cooking and a smoother texture. Quickly rinse the dried lily bulb (Lilium brownii, lily bulb), Angelica dahurica (Angelica dahurica, baizhi), and tangerine peel (Citri reticulatae pericarpium, chenpi) separately under running water to remove any dust.

Step 2: Drain the soaked mung beans (Phaseolus radiatus) and place them in a clay pot or stainless steel pot together with lily bulb (Bulbus Lilii), dahurian angelica root (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae), and tangerine peel (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae). Add 1500 ml of clean water. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off any foam, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the mung beans from sticking to the bottom.

Critical heat control (Huǒhòu)

Step 3: When the mung beans have fully burst open, the soup turns green and slightly thick, add rock sugar. Continue simmering on low heat for 10 minutes until the rock sugar is completely dissolved, then turn off the heat. Note: Do not overcook; otherwise, the mung beans will oxidize, causing the soup to turn red and its heat-clearing effect to diminish.

Step 4: Strain the dregs through a fine sieve, reserving only the liquid for consumption. The remaining soybean dregs can be mixed with a small amount of honey and eaten, or used as a face mask (ensure no irritating herbal residues remain). The prepared decoction should be taken warm; do not consume directly after refrigeration.

Drinking Tips

First, the optimal time for consumption is between 9–11 AM (Spleen Meridian [SP] time) or 3–5 PM (Bladder Meridian [BL] time). During these periods, the body’s absorption and metabolic capacities are at their peak, doubling the effectiveness of spot removal.

Secondly, continuous consumption should not exceed 15 days. Only two cycles per month are needed (each cycle consists of 7 consecutive days), with a 3-day interval between cycles. Excessive consumption may cause cold to injure the Spleen, which instead impairs the generation of qi and blood.

Third, during the consumption period, avoid concurrent intake of pungent and hair-inducing foods (such as chili peppers, lamb, and seafood), as well as strong tea and coffee, to prevent interference with the medicinal effects. It is recommended to complement with vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables (such as kiwi fruit and tomatoes), which can enhance the synergistic effect on whitening.

Fourth, soups should be prepared and consumed on the same day, not kept overnight, as mung bean (Vigna radiata) soup left overnight easily breeds bacteria and loses more than half of its medicinal efficacy. If you need to take it out, it should be properly refrigerated and consumed within 8 hours.