Four-Seed Soup (Ginkgo, Pine Nut, Walnut, Peanut)

Why people make this soup

Nourilo has a gentle word for lifelong smokers: in later years, chronic bronchitis with emphysema tends to creep in — relentless coughing, more phlegm, worsening breathlessness, a hard road. For health’s sake, quit smoking as soon as you can. In the meantime, this warm “four-seed” soup is traditionally taken to support the lungs and kidneys and steady the breath in older people with chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

Method

1. Remove the cores from the ginkgo nuts; rinse the rest.
2. Put everything in a pot with 1.5 L of water.
3. Simmer down to 600 ml.
4. Stir in rock sugar until dissolved.
5. Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup also moistens the skin, improves complexion and gently eases the bowels. If you can’t find pine nuts, swap in sweet apricot kernels (nan xing). But anyone with loose stools or diarrhea should not take it.