Soups
Fig, Fresh Lily Bulb and Houttuynia Soup
Traditionally clears lung heat and eases cough
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu wrote this one for long-term smokers, who often run into lung trouble with age — phlegm and cough, and in worse cases a sense of breathlessness at night. He’s quick to add that the people around a smoker can develop similar symptoms from secondhand smoke, so the real “remedy” is to quit for everyone’s sake. In the meantime, this simple, fragrant soup is traditionally used to clear lung heat, ease cough, and keep things moving.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Traditionally chosen by people with a hot cough, dry sore throat, or dry stools, and by smokers managing lung complaints.
- Houttuynia has a strong “fishy” aroma and a cooling nature. If your throat is itchy rather than sore, Bro Niu suggests using only 3 figs and adding 3 slices of ginger to balance the coolness. A long-standing cough or breathlessness should be seen by a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fig (wu hua guo): Traditionally associated with soothing the throat and supporting smooth bowels.
- Fresh lily bulb (bai he): Traditionally used to moisten the lungs and calm a dry cough.
- Houttuynia (yu xing cao): Traditionally associated with clearing heat and supporting the lungs; its aromatic oils mean it should not be boiled too long.
- Rock sugar (bing tang): Just a touch, to round out the flavor.
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried figs | 5 | Halve to 3 if throat is only itchy |
| Fresh lily bulb | ~38 g | |
| Fresh houttuynia | ~75 g | Cut into segments |
| Rock sugar | a little | Optional |
Method
- Rinse the figs and cut them in half.
- Wash the fresh lily bulb.
- Cut the fresh houttuynia into segments and rinse.
- Bring everything to a boil in about 4.5 bowls of water and cook for 20 minutes.
- Add the rock sugar, let it dissolve down to about 2 bowls, and serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Houttuynia contains volatile oils, so don’t boil it for long. This light, fragrant soup suits anyone with a hot cough and wheeze, or breathlessness.
Published May 5, 2023 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
