Cogongrass Root, Snow Pear & Lotus Node Soup

Why people make this soup

Autumn and winter bring dry air, and for many children that means nosebleeds — sometimes frustratingly often. A child’s nasal mucosa is thinner and more delicate than an adult’s, and the lining can be easily damaged by blowing hard, rubbing, or even vigorous sneezing. In traditional Cantonese food therapy, parents have long turned to this simple three-ingredient soup as a gentle way to help “cool the blood” and keep the nasal passages moist during the dry season. Nourilo recommends it for children who are prone to repeated small bleeds — not as a substitute for first aid, but as an ongoing, calming support.

Method

1. Rinse the cogongrass root thoroughly and cut into short sections.
2. Wash the snow pear, halve it, and remove the core.
3. Rinse the lotus nodes.
4. Combine all ingredients with 1.5 L of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 1 hour.
5. If using rock sugar, stir it in and let it dissolve for the last few minutes.
6. Serve warm; aim for about 1 bowl per serving.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is suitable for anyone experiencing nosebleeds, young or old. A small amount of rock sugar makes it more palatable for children. For a course of treatment, Nourilo typically suggests 3 consecutive days to help calm recurring bleeds; afterward, once or twice a week makes a good seasonal maintenance habit. Remember that a child’s nasal lining genuinely thickens as they grow older, so the tendency to bleed easily often improves naturally with age.

If you cannot find fresh cogongrass root (common in markets in Hong Kong and parts of Southeast Asia), you can use dried snow pear slices (4–5 pieces) and lotus nodes together and still get a beneficial soup. Alternatively, for a simple emergency version, just simmer snow pear and lotus nodes alone, or even steam the pear with the lotus nodes.