Soups
Houttuynia, Platycodon and Apricot Kernel Soup
Traditionally clears heat and supports the airways with a phlegm-heat cough
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 Bro Niu 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.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits a phlegm-heat cough: thick yellow phlegm, dry bitter mouth, yellow greasy tongue coat. With a slice of dried tangerine peel added, the whole family can drink it.
- The soup is cooling, so it is NOT suitable for a clear, watery cold-type cough or a thick white tongue coat. Houttuynia should not be over-boiled — simmer it only about 15 minutes.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Yu xing cao (houttuynia): traditionally used to clear heat and is associated with calming lung infections; the fresh form is more effective.
- Jie geng (balloon flower root): associated with easing the throat and moving phlegm.
- Nan bei xing (apricot kernels): traditionally said to moisten the lungs and ease a cough.
- Mi zao (honey dates): soften and sweeten the soup (use less or swap for a little luo han guo if there is a lot of phlegm).
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Houttuynia (yu xing cao) | ~38 g (1 liang) | soak and rinse; fresh is better |
| Jie geng (balloon flower root) | ~15 g (4 qian) | soak and rinse |
| Apricot kernels (nan bei xing) | ~38 g (1 liang) | |
| Honey dates | 3 |
Method
- Soak and rinse the houttuynia and jie geng.
- First simmer the jie geng, apricot kernels and honey dates in about 4 bowls of water for around half an hour.
- Add the houttuynia and simmer a further 15 minutes only. Serve.
Bro Niu’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.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Joyce): My child is just over 3 and has bronchitis after a cold, with a heavy phlegmy cough — can I add carrot or tangerine peel to this soup to strengthen it? Bro Niu: Yes, add 1 carrot and a piece of dried tangerine peel. With lots of phlegm, leave out the honey dates and add about 1/6 of a gold luo han guo.
- Q (Mabel): Can I drink this if the phlegm from a cold hasn’t fully cleared? Bro Niu: Yes, you can drink it while the cold’s phlegm hasn’t fully cleared.
- Q (car): Can I take it with a white greasy tongue coat? And if I cough a lot at midnight, is it too cooling? Bro Niu: This soup is cooling, so a thick tongue coat is not suitable. Instead, use fu ling, bai zhu and hyacinth-bean skin (~11 g each), north apricot kernel (~11 g), 2 slices ginger and 6 red dates in 5 bowls of water down to 2 — that helps a midnight cough.
Published November 19, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
