Soups
Tiger Milk Ganoderma, Snow Fungus, and Apricot Kernel Soup
traditionally supports lung qi and soothes recurring coughs in children
Why people make this soup
Many parents notice that once a child starts nursery or kindergarten, they seem to catch one cold after another — barely recovered from a cough before coming home with a runny nose again. In traditional Chinese food-therapy thinking, children prone to these repeated respiratory infections are often described as having “lung qi deficiency,” meaning their lung energy is not robust enough to fend off external pathogens. This soup brings together four ingredients that Chinese food therapists have long associated with nourishing lung function and building resilience over time. Tiger milk ganoderma (a white variety of lingzhi mushroom) is considered particularly gentle, making it well accepted by children who might otherwise resist medicinal soups.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Well suited to children who catch colds and coughs repeatedly, and to adults with delicate lung constitution
- Can be prepared as a savoury or lightly sweetened soup — the whole family may drink it
- Suitable during recovery, provided the child has no active fever (Bro Niu’s note: it is fine to use even while mild symptoms remain, as long as there is no fever)
- Those with an active high fever should wait until fever subsides; please see a doctor for serious symptoms
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Tiger milk ganoderma (hu ru ling zhi): A white variety of ganoderma with a mild flavour; traditionally associated with tonifying lung qi and supporting immune function — and gentle enough that children rarely refuse it
- Snow fungus (xue er): A nourishing fungus with a naturally gelatinous texture; traditionally used to moisten the lungs and support the respiratory tract
- Sweet apricot kernels (nan xing / bei xing): The southern (sweet) variety is traditionally used to moisten the lungs; the northern (slightly bitter) variety is associated with calming coughs. Note: northern apricot kernels contain small amounts of naturally occurring compounds and should not be used in large quantities — the traditional ratio is roughly 7 parts southern to 3 parts northern
- Lily bulb (bai he): A mild, slightly sweet bulb traditionally used to nourish the lungs and calm the spirit
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tiger milk ganoderma (hu ru ling zhi) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Snow fungus (xue er) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Soak until fully expanded; remove tough base |
| Mixed apricot kernels (nan + bei xing) | 5 qian (~19 g) | Rinse; southern:northern approx. 7:3 |
| Lily bulb (bai he) | 1 liang (~37 g) | Rinse |
| Water | 8 bowls (approx. 2 litres) |
Method
- Soak the snow fungus in warm water until it fully expands; rinse and remove the tough woody base. Tear into smaller pieces if large.
- Rinse the tiger milk ganoderma, mixed apricot kernels, and lily bulb.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Cook for approximately 2 hours until the liquid reduces to around 4 bowls.
- Serve warm. The soup may be enjoyed plain (it is naturally mild), or seasoned with a small amount of salt or rock sugar to taste.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is nourishing without being heating or drying — it can be made savoury or left plain. Because tiger milk ganoderma has very little of the bitter medicinal taste typical of other ganoderma varieties, children generally accept it readily. As a regular family soup, you may add lean pork for extra flavour and substance. This soup is designed for gradual, regular nourishment rather than quick fixes — making it two or three times a week during cooler months can be helpful for children with a tendency toward lung weakness.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Daisy): My 18-month-old has had runny nose and an on-and-off cough at night. The nasal discharge has turned from yellow back to clear. What can I give to help with the lingering symptoms? Bro Niu: I have responded directly. For daytime runny nose, you can use magnolia flower (xin yi hua) brewed as a tea. For an 18-month-old, you may add a small amount of honey.
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Q (Sylvia): My child has had a runny nose for over two weeks, with occasional nosebleeds and a lingering cough. We are overseas. Do we need to wait until the cough is completely gone before giving this ganoderma soup? Bro Niu: As long as there is no fever, this soup is suitable. You do not need to wait for full recovery.
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Q (Sylvia): My child also has a lot of eye discharge in the morning — is that a sign of heat? Bro Niu: Excessive eye discharge is often associated with liver heat in traditional food therapy. You can brew xia sang ye (mulberry leaf), or make a tea with chrysanthemum and green tea.
Published May 27, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
