Tonic Drinks & Waters
Dragon Tongue Leaf, Stone Wampee, Apple and Pear Drink
traditionally used to soothe cough, ease sore throat, and support recovery after a wind-heat cold
Why people make this drink
After a cold clears, the lingering cough can be one of the most stubborn parts to shake — a scratchy throat, bouts of phlegm, and a voice that has lost its usual ring. In Cantonese households, a pot of this fragrant drink is one of the go-to remedies. Fresh dragon tongue leaf is the centrepiece: it is considered neutral in nature (neither cold nor warming), which makes it a versatile choice for cough whether the root cause is heat-related or cold-related. Paired with stone wampee for its traditional role in resolving phlegm and soothing inflammation, plus the sweet moistening qualities of apple and snow pear, this is a drink that feels as nourishing as it tastes.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Well suited to adults and children recovering from a wind-heat cold with lingering cough, yellow or thick phlegm, sore or hoarse throat, or chronic bronchitis.
- Dragon tongue leaf’s neutral nature means people with a cold-type cough (clear, watery phlegm; runny nose) can also use it — simply omit the stone wampee.
- Generally suitable for all ages. Those who are pregnant should consult their doctor before using herbal drinks regularly.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh dragon tongue leaf (xian long li ye): Considered neutral and mildly sweet. Traditionally associated with clearing lung heat, relieving cough, and soothing throat pain. Its neutral character means it can be used for both heat and cold-type coughs.
- Stone wampee (shi huang pi): A variety of wampee fruit valued in folk medicine for resolving phlegm, easing inflammation of the airways, and supporting the lungs. Found at herbal stalls in Cantonese markets.
- Apple and snow pear (xue li): Both fruits are considered moistening and gently cooling. They are traditional supports for a dry or irritated throat and are believed to nourish lung-yin.
- Mixed apricot kernels (nan bei xing): Southern kernels (sweet) moisten the lungs; northern kernels (slightly bitter) are associated with stopping cough and calming the airways. Used together they are a classic pairing in Cantonese soups and drinks.
Ingredients (about 3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh dragon tongue leaf | 1 liang (~38 g) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Stone wampee | 2 liang (~75 g) | Rinse and lightly bruise |
| Apple | 1–2, medium | Soak in dilute salt water, keep skin on, remove core and cut into chunks |
| Snow pear (Asian pear) | 1, medium | Same prep as apple |
| Mixed apricot kernels (nan bei xing) | 1 liang (~38 g) | Rinse |
Method
- Soak the dragon tongue leaf and apricot kernels in water for a few minutes, then rinse well. Lightly bruise the stone wampee pieces to help release their flavour.
- Soak the apples and snow pear in dilute salt water for about 10 minutes to remove surface pesticides, then rinse. Keep the skin on; remove cores and cut into chunks.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 6 bowls of water (approximately 1.4 litres).
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer and cook for 1 hour until the liquid reduces to about 3 bowls.
- Pour through a strainer if desired. Drink warm, divided over the day.
Bro Niu’s tips
This drink is gentle enough for the whole family, young and old alike. It is particularly helpful for phlegm-fire cough or dry cough with an irritated throat. Fresh dragon tongue leaf and stone wampee are available at Chinese or Asian herbal shops and online. If you can only find dried dragon tongue leaf, use 5 qian (about 19 g) instead of the fresh variety. If stone wampee is unavailable, a quarter of a golden luo han guo (monk fruit) can stand in for it.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Cherry, reader in the UK): My five-year-old has a bad cough with phlegm she cannot bring up, nasal congestion, and now a fever. I cannot find stone wampee here — what can I substitute? Bro Niu: Luo han guo is good for clearing phlegm and stopping cough — use a quarter of one in place of the stone wampee. If there is also a lot of nasal mucus, add six bruised magnolia buds (xin yi hua) to the pot.
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Q (Mi, reader): I had a cold, took Western medicine, and felt better — but now I still have a lot of white phlegm sitting in my throat, my voice is hoarse, and I have a slight cough. Bro Niu: Try half a golden luo han guo, 10 bruised green olives, and one cored snow pear in five bowls of water, cooked down to two to three bowls. Drink over the day and repeat for three doses — it should help clear the phlegm and bring the voice back.
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Q (Lamsan, reader): When you say “take for three doses” — does that mean three times a day, or once a day for three days? Bro Niu: One dose (one pot) per day, taken over the course of the day, for three consecutive days.
Published January 26, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
