he postpartum period is a time when nourishment becomes especially important. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the weeks after giving birth are traditionally viewed as a time to replenish Qi and blood, support recovery, and provide the body with nourishing foods that can be enjoyed regularly.
One traditional ingredient often used in postpartum herbal soups is Rice Paper Pith (通草, Tong Cao). Traditionally valued for supporting lactation and healthy fluid circulation, Rice Paper Pith has been used in Chinese herbal cooking for generations, particularly in soups prepared for new mothers.
And one of the best ways to enjoy this soup is with fresh green papaya. Green papaya has long been paired with Chinese postpartum soups and creates a naturally sweet, hearty broth that complements the savoury flavour of dried octopus and traditional herbs.
In this article, we'll explore what Rice Paper Pith is, how it has traditionally been used in Chinese postpartum food therapy, why green papaya is such a popular addition, and how you can prepare a nourishing bowl of Nursing Soup at home.
What is Rice Paper Pith?
Rice Paper Pith, known as Tong Cao (通草) in Chinese, is a traditional Chinese herbal ingredient derived from the inner stem of the Tetrapanax papyrifer plant.
Despite its name, Rice Paper Pith isn't related to the rice paper used in cooking. Instead, the dried inner pith of the plant is cut into small pieces and incorporated into traditional herbal preparations, particularly soups and teas.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tong Cao is traditionally associated with promoting healthy fluid movement and is particularly well known for its traditional use in postpartum and lactation-supporting formulas.
It has a very mild flavour, which makes it especially suitable for soup. Rather than overpowering the broth, it works alongside other ingredients to create a balanced and nourishing recipe.
5 Traditional Benefits of Rice Paper Pith
1. Traditionally Used to Support Lactation
One of the best-known traditional uses of Rice Paper Pith is supporting breastfeeding and lactation.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Rice Paper Pith has traditionally been included in postpartum formulas intended to support the flow of breast milk. It is often combined with nourishing foods and herbs rather than consumed on its own.
This traditional use is one of the reasons Rice Paper Pith has remained an ingredient in Chinese postpartum soups for generations.
However, breastfeeding experiences vary from person to person, and no single food or herb can guarantee an increase in milk supply. Nursing Soup is best viewed as a nourishing addition to a balanced postpartum diet rather than a replacement for professional lactation support.
2. Traditionally Used to Support Healthy Fluid Movement
In TCM, Rice Paper Pith is traditionally associated with promoting the movement of fluids throughout the body.
After childbirth, traditional Chinese food therapy places an emphasis on restoring balance and supporting the body's natural processes through warm, nourishing foods.
Rice Paper Pith's traditional role in supporting fluid circulation is one reason it has historically been incorporated into postpartum soups.
3. A Traditional Ingredient for Postpartum Nourishment
Chinese postpartum food traditions place a strong emphasis on nutrient-dense soups and slow-simmered broths.
Rather than focusing on one ingredient, these recipes combine multiple foods believed to replenish Qi and blood while providing nourishment during recovery.
In Nursing Soup, Rice Paper Pith is paired with dried octopus, black jujubes, dried longan, black-eyed peas, and Gordon Euryale seed, creating a hearty soup that can be enjoyed as part of a postpartum meal.
4. Pairs Well With Nourishing Foods
One of the strengths of Rice Paper Pith is its mild flavour.
It can easily be combined with ingredients that provide more flavour and substance, including seafood, beans, fruits, vegetables, and traditional Chinese herbs.
This makes it particularly well suited to postpartum soups, where the goal is to create something both nourishing and enjoyable to eat.
5. A Long-Standing Part of Chinese Postpartum Food Culture
Postpartum herbal soups are deeply rooted in Chinese food culture, particularly in Cantonese households.
Recipes are often passed down through generations, with different ingredients selected according to traditional beliefs about the mother's individual needs.
Rice Paper Pith is one of the ingredients that has become closely associated with these lactation-focused soups, making it a fascinating example of how food, tradition, and postpartum care come together in Chinese culture.
Why Green Papaya Pairs So Well With Nursing Soup
If there is one ingredient we'd recommend adding to your Nursing Soup, it's green papaya.
Green papaya is an unripe papaya harvested before the fruit develops its characteristic orange colour and sweetness. It has a firm texture and a mild, slightly vegetal flavour that becomes tender after simmering.
When cooked slowly, green papaya becomes soft and absorbs the flavours of the soup, making it an especially delicious pairing with dried octopus and Chinese herbs.
It adds natural sweetness.
As green papaya simmers, it develops a subtle sweetness that balances the savoury flavour of dried octopus and herbs.
It creates a hearty soup.
The fruit becomes tender while maintaining enough texture to make the soup feel substantial and satisfying.
It complements traditional postpartum ingredients.
Green papaya is frequently used in Chinese and Southeast Asian postpartum cooking, making it a natural addition to a lactation-focused soup.
It makes the soup more flavourful.
The mild flavour of green papaya allows it to absorb the herbal broth, creating a comforting and easy-to-enjoy postpartum meal.
For the best flavour, choose a firm green papaya rather than a fully ripe orange papaya.
Recommended Green Papaya Nursing Soup Recipe
The easiest way to enjoy these traditional ingredients is with our Nursing Soup Pack, which contains everything you need to prepare a large family-style pot of postpartum herbal soup.
The pack serves approximately 4-6 people, making it especially convenient for new mothers and families preparing meals during the postpartum period.
“Nursing Soup - Lactation Boosting Soup”
Soup Pack Ingredients:
- Rice Paper Pith
- Dried Octopus
- Black Jujubes
- Gordon Euryale Seed
- Black-Eyed Peas
- Dried Longan
- Dried Tangerine Peel
- Kelp
Flavourful Additions:
- 1 green papaya, peeled, seeded, and cut into large chunks
- Blanched chicken or pork
- Carrots
- Corn
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse and soak the ingredients in a cold bowl of water for 30-60 min.
- Drain and put the ingredients into a pot and add 2L of water.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 2-3 hours.
- Season with salt to taste and enjoy it warm!
Check out our Nursing Soup Pack today and experience the nourishing benefits of rice paper pith for yourself!
(Photo Source: iStock)