Houttuynia, Platycodon and Apricot Kernel Soup

Why people make this soup

When the weather turns, a cold can settle into the bronchi as acute bronchitis — fever, coughing, and thick phlegm that’s hard to bring up. Even after the main symptoms pass, the cough can hang on for weeks. This soup is one Nourilo offers for the heat pattern: it is traditionally used to clear heat and support the airways, and it suits a cough with thick yellow phlegm, a dry bitter mouth and a yellow greasy tongue coat.

Method

1. Soak and rinse the houttuynia and jie geng.
2. First simmer the jie geng, apricot kernels and honey dates in about 1.2 L of water for around half an hour.
3. Add the houttuynia and simmer a further 15 minutes only. Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

Houttuynia clears heat and is associated with calming lung infections, and the fresh form works better. Don’t over-boil it — about 15 minutes is enough. For a child with bronchitis you can add a carrot and a piece of dried tangerine peel; if there is a lot of phlegm, skip the honey dates and add a small piece of luo han guo instead.