Soups
Tiger Milk Mushroom, Lily Bulb and Partridge Soup
Traditionally used to moisten the lungs and support the airways
Why people make this soup
Tiger milk mushroom is a poria-family fungus prized as both food and remedy, with a protein content as high as 45%. Despite the Chinese name, it is not a true reishi — it belongs to the poria family and is available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online. Traditionally it is associated with supporting the lungs and the airways, among other things. Simmered or double-boiled with lily bulb, apricot kernels and partridge, this soup is traditionally taken by people prone to recurrent coughs.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suited especially to children with weaker lung qi who catch cold and cough easily; the whole family can have it, about once or twice a week.
- Babies around 13 months can have it, with one bowl split into two servings.
- Do not take it during an active cold (it could let the illness “settle in”). If there is yellow phlegm, you can add a little chuan bei (Fritillaria) to the pot.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Tiger milk mushroom (hu ru ling zhi): A poria-family fungus traditionally associated with clearing phlegm, easing cough and supporting the lungs.
- Lily bulb (bai he): Traditionally used to moisten the lungs and calm.
- Apricot kernels (nan bei xing): Associated with moistening the lungs and easing cough; use the proper culinary kind in moderation.
- Partridge (zhe gu): Traditionally said to clear phlegm and nourish the organs.
Ingredients (1 pot, about 4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tiger milk mushroom | ~11 g | Sliced thin |
| Lily bulb | ~38 g | |
| Apricot kernels (nan bei xing) | ~38 g | Proper culinary kind, in moderation |
| Partridge | 1 | Cleaned; sub lean pork if unavailable |
| Ginger | 2 slices |
Method
- Clean the partridge and blanch to remove scum.
- Rinse and soak the tiger milk mushroom, lily bulb and apricot kernels.
- Place everything in a double-boil pot, add boiling water, and double-boil (steam) for 3 hours. Drink the soup and eat the solids.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is traditionally used to moisten the lungs, support against weakness, and ease cough and wheeze. It suits children with weak lung qi who easily catch cold and cough — about once or twice a week. But do not take it during a cold.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Venus): My 2.5-year-old gets bronchitis whenever he catches cold. We have two partridges at home — can I make this soup as everyday support when he’s well? Bro Niu: With partridges on hand you can make this soup — it’s very nourishing for lung qi and suits your son, about twice a week.
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Q (mandy): Can a 13-month-old drink it? I added apricot kernels, lotus seed, lily bulb and fu shen. Bro Niu: A 13-month-old can have it, but split one bowl into two servings.
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Q (Pierre): My 4.5-year-old has had a cold and cough for a month; the doctor said bronchitis and prescribed antibiotics. No fever now — can he have the tiger milk mushroom and partridge, and is chuan bei okay? Bro Niu: You can steam chuan bei powder ~11 g with a peeled, cored apple for him — chuan bei helps reduce airway spasm and benefits children. The tiger milk mushroom and partridge soup is also fine.
Published December 17, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
