Ginkgo Nut, Walnut, Euryale and Almond Chicken Soup

Why people make this soup

Asthma tends to run in families and can be triggered throughout the year, with spring and autumn being the most common seasons for flare-ups. Chinese medicine sees asthma as involving three organ systems: the lungs (which govern the airways), the spleen (which is considered the source of phlegm production), and the kidneys (which are thought to anchor the breath and provide the body’s foundational energy). During an active episode, medical treatment comes first. But during the quiet period between episodes — when the child feels well and lung function is stable — food therapy has a supportive role in traditionally building up these three systems and aiming to reduce how often attacks occur.

This soup uses ginkgo nuts to help reduce phlegm and stabilise the airways; walnuts to warm and support kidney yang; euryale seeds to strengthen the spleen and reduce phlegm; and the almond combination to gently open the chest and support breathing. The result is a soup that is warming and nourishing without being too rich or stimulating.