Soups
Bai Ji, Snow Fungus and Apricot Kernel Sweet Soup
Traditionally used to stop bleeding in the lungs, moisten and soothe a dry cough, and support recovery from lung conditions including tuberculosis
Why people make this soup
A persistent, long-lasting cough deserves attention. In traditional Chinese medicine, the five organs are each associated with different types of cough — but lung diseases, from chronic bronchitis to tuberculosis, are among the most common causes of a lingering cough. When a chronic cough comes with phlegm that occasionally contains blood, it points to damage or weakness in the lung’s blood vessels or tissue.
The classical Chinese herb for this situation is bai ji (Bletilla striata), a starchy, sticky rhizome that has been used for centuries specifically to halt bleeding in the lungs and stop haemoptysis (coughing blood). Bro Niu pairs it here with snow fungus for its deeply moistening, collagen-like effect on the respiratory tract, and with north-south apricot kernels, which soothe the airways and ease coughing. The result is a mild, gently sweet, clear soup that is easy to take regularly. Bro Niu notes it has no strong herbal flavour — just a clean, soothing quality.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for those with persistent dry cough, cough with blood-tinged phlegm, or those in recovery from tuberculosis (alongside medical treatment).
- Also beneficial for upper digestive tract bleeding and those recovering from stomach or duodenal ulcers.
- Suitable for smokers (can be taken with a partner — Bro Niu confirmed a reader’s husband can also benefit from this soup).
- Since bai ji is a medicinal herb, Bro Niu advises keeping the frequency to around 2 doses per week — do not over-use.
- If you are currently receiving tuberculosis medication, consult your doctor before adding this or any herbal preparation to your regimen.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Bai ji (Bletilla striata rhizome): A classical haemostatic herb specifically for the lungs; traditionally used to halt bleeding, promote tissue healing, and protect damaged lung tissue. Also has notable inhibitory effects on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB bacteria) according to traditional records, and supports healing of peptic ulcers.
- Snow fungus / white tremella (xue er): Rich in plant-based gelatinous polysaccharides; deeply moistens the lungs and respiratory tract, soothes irritation, and has a gentle anti-inflammatory quality.
- North-south apricot kernels (nan bei xing): A classic cough-calming combination in Cantonese medicine; bitter almonds (bei xing) descend lung qi and stop cough, while sweet almonds (nan xing) moisten and nourish. Together they are balanced and gentle.
- Rock sugar (bing tang): Used as the sweetener; gentle and moistening, appropriate for lung conditions.
Ingredients (3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bai ji (Bletilla striata) | 11 g | Soak and rinse; available at Chinese herb shops |
| Snow fungus (xue er) | 11 g | Soak until expanded; remove tough stem |
| North-south apricot kernels (nan bei xing) | 19 g | Rinse |
| Rock sugar | To taste | Add at end |
| Water | 6 bowls |
Method
- Soak the bai ji and snow fungus separately until softened. Remove the tough base stem from the snow fungus and break into smaller pieces; rinse gently.
- Rinse the apricot kernels.
- Place bai ji, snow fungus, and apricot kernels in a pot with 6 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 45 minutes until the liquid reduces to about 3 bowls.
- Add rock sugar to taste and stir to dissolve.
- Serve warm; drink the broth and eat the snow fungus and apricot kernels.
Bro Niu’s tips
- The flavour is mild and pleasant — no strong medicinal taste.
- Since bai ji is a medicinal herb, keep usage to around 2 doses per week. Do not use it daily over extended periods without guidance.
- If meat is preferred to a sweet soup, Bro Niu confirms that lean pork can be added — simply omit the rock sugar in that case.
- For lung tuberculosis patients who are also experiencing poor appetite and weight loss, a complementary soup of Chinese yam (huai shan), lily bulb (bai he), lotus seeds (lian zi), snow fungus, and apricot kernels with partridge or quail is recommended separately to strengthen spleen and lung function.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (LL, family member with mild TB, age 75, poor appetite): My family member was diagnosed with mild pulmonary tuberculosis after two months of coughing. They have lost appetite and their food intake has decreased. They also have high blood pressure. What soup can help improve appetite? Bro Niu: You can brew a soup with Chinese yam (huai shan), lotus seeds (lian zi), lily bulb (bai he), 1 liang each; snow fungus 2 qian; and north-south apricot kernels 1 liang — cooked with partridge or quail. This supports spleen and lung function and improves absorption. The whole family can drink it; eating the solid ingredients is also beneficial.
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Q (YY): I have just started tuberculosis medication. My doctor said to avoid Chinese medicine — what soups can I drink? Bro Niu: While taking TB medication, stick to gentle food-based soups: white ginkgo and tofu congee, sweet soy milk with egg, tofu and fresh fish soup, Chinese yam with lily bulb and red dates with lean pork are all suitable.
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Q (tiff): I had a stomach bleed and gastritis before. Can I use this soup to support recovery? My husband smokes — can he drink it too? Bro Niu: Yes, both of you can drink this soup.
Published April 19, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
