Dragon Tongue Leaf, Stone Wampee, Apple and Pear Drink

Why people make this drink

After a cold clears, the lingering cough can be one of the most stubborn parts to shake — a scratchy throat, bouts of phlegm, and a voice that has lost its usual ring. In Cantonese households, a pot of this fragrant drink is one of the go-to remedies. Fresh dragon tongue leaf is the centrepiece: it is considered neutral in nature (neither cold nor warming), which makes it a versatile choice for cough whether the root cause is heat-related or cold-related. Paired with stone wampee for its traditional role in resolving phlegm and soothing inflammation, plus the sweet moistening qualities of apple and snow pear, this is a drink that feels as nourishing as it tastes.

Method

1. Soak the dragon tongue leaf and apricot kernels in water for a few minutes, then rinse well. Lightly bruise the stone wampee pieces to help release their flavour.
2. Soak the apples and snow pear in dilute salt water for about 10 minutes to remove surface pesticides, then rinse. Keep the skin on; remove cores and cut into chunks.
3. Place all ingredients in a pot with 1.8 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer and cook for 1 hour until the liquid reduces to about 900 ml.
5. Pour through a strainer if desired. Drink warm, divided over the day.

Nourilo’s Tips

This drink is gentle enough for the whole family, young and old alike. It is particularly helpful for phlegm-fire cough or dry cough with an irritated throat. Fresh dragon tongue leaf and stone wampee are available at Chinese or Asian herbal shops and online. If you can only find dried dragon tongue leaf, use 19 g (about 19 g) instead of the fresh variety. If stone wampee is unavailable, a quarter of a golden luo han guo (monk fruit) can stand in for it.