Soup Name: Lung Moisturizing Tea
Traditional Chinese Name: 肺燥荼 (fèi zào tú)
Introduction:
A delicious, naturally sweet tea or drink that really does help relieve that pesky sore throat or dryness that is developed over the cold winter months. It’s pretty surprising how dry it can get in Hong Kong during the cold winter months and without central heating, I sometimes turn on the heat (for my kids OK?) and then your whole body becomes a dry, shriveled prune. On top of that, if I don’t turn on the heat, I sometimes wake up with a terrible, stinging sore throat. So either way, an excellent supplement of water for my body and moisture for my lungs.
What Ingredients are required?
15 pieces of Lu Gen
3 pieces of bellflower root
3-4 pieces of dried snow pear
1 fresh snow pear, cut and seeded (optional)
10 stalks of rhizoma imperatae or mao gen
2 honey dates
1 tablespoon of apricot kernals
1 lump of rock sugar (optional and custom to taste)
2 L of water
How do I prepare it?
- Boil your water
- Rinse all the ingredients under warm water
- Add all the ingredients together once your water is boiling (except the rock sugar)
- Boil on high for 30 minutes and reduce to a simmer for another 30 minutes
- Add rock sugar and boil for another 5 minutes
- Serve either warm or cool
Any benefits?
- Excellent for relieving sore throats or fever
- Ideal for dry autumn or winter consumption as it helps moisten the lungs
- Low in fat
- Naturally sweet
- Easy to make
Any precautions?
- It is a very cooling drink, so drink in moderation (or avoid it) during the first trimester of a pregnancy
- Take caution if menstruating as cooling drinks cause contractions and cramps
- Some people who can’t take too cooling foods may get headaches or feel light headed after drinking
Additional Information?
- You can make a big pot and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great because you can either drink it cold or simply reheat in the microwave.
If I want to save the kennel from my own apricot tree, how can I tell whether it is sweet or bitter apricot kennel? Can I skip the bitter kennel in the soup or the drink because I do not want to bit into it?
Also, what is the drawback from skipping the bitter apricot kennels?
Dear Wendy, the drawback is that it’s not as effective, but in general, Chinese teas and soups aren’t “strong” in nature unless you’re taking real Chinese medicine. You can eliminate it if you wish if it’s not the right type or not readily available. There are other ingredients in this drink that will continue to help moisturize and strengthen the lungs. Hope this helps! Lisa