Soups
Sichuan Fritillaria and Partridge Soup
traditionally associated with dissolving phlegm, soothing cough and nourishing the lungs
Why people make this soup
Sichuan fritillaria (chuan bei mu) has been one of the most prized herbs in Cantonese respiratory food therapy for centuries — and its price reflects that. It is used for coughs ranging from acute bronchitis to the lingering phlegmy cough that drags on long after a cold has passed. Bro Niu often recommends it to families with young children prone to chest congestion, and to older adults whose lungs are simply not as strong as they once were. Paired with partridge — a bird traditionally considered especially nourishing for the lungs and voice — along with figs for gentle sweetness and honey-roasted licorice to build energy and warm the centre, this soup does far more than just suppress a cough. It works on the underlying weakness that makes people cough repeatedly.
One important caution about buying fritillaria: because the genuine Sichuan variety is expensive, fakes are common. Authentic chuan bei mu bulbs always split into two distinct halves — that is their hallmark. Substitute products like tu bei mu or guang ci gu look whole and intact. When buying, pay attention to this detail.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for adults, children and the elderly; also suitable for pregnant women
- Particularly helpful for lingering coughs with phlegm, hoarse voice or dry throat after illness
- Do not use while actively feverish — wait until the fever has passed
- Can be used for both cold-type and heat-type coughs (though for cold-type cough with thin white phlegm, adding dried tangerine peel (chen pi) enhances the result)
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Sichuan fritillaria (chuan bei mu): The cornerstone of this soup; associated with dissolving stubborn phlegm, soothing bronchial irritation and clearing heat from the lungs — traditionally considered effective for both acute and chronic respiratory issues
- Honey-roasted licorice (zhi gan cao): Unlike raw licorice (which clears heat strongly), the honey-roasted form tonifies the middle and builds qi — suitable for those who feel fatigued or run down alongside their cough
- Dried figs (wu hua guo): Mildly sweet, moisten the lungs and throat; add a pleasant natural sweetness to the broth without sugar
- Partridge (zhe gu): Considered in traditional food therapy to be among the best birds for nourishing the lungs and opening the voice; less rich and less heating than chicken
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sichuan fritillaria bulbs (chuan bei mu) | ~8 g (2 qian) | Check that each bulb splits in two — sign of authenticity |
| Honey-roasted licorice (zhi gan cao) | ~8 g (2 qian) | Can substitute regular raw licorice (sheng gan cao) for stronger heat-clearing |
| Dried figs (wu hua guo) | 3 pieces | Rinse briefly |
| Frozen partridge (zhe gu) | 1 bird | Thaw, clean thoroughly, blanch in boiling water and drain |
| Water | 8 bowls (~2 L) |
Method
- Thaw the partridge completely. Clean and gut it, removing the lymph nodes along the neck. Blanch briefly in boiling water, then drain.
- Rinse and briefly soak the fritillaria bulbs and licorice.
- Place the partridge, fritillaria, licorice and figs into a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately 3 hours until reduced to 3–4 bowls.
- Serve warm. Drink the broth and eat the figs; the partridge meat is also nutritious.
Bro Niu’s tips
The choice between honey-roasted licorice (zhi gan cao) and raw licorice (sheng gan cao) matters: raw licorice is better for clearing heat and detoxifying, while the honey-roasted version tonifies and energises — helpful for those who feel tired and weak alongside their cough. You can use either based on the person’s constitution. Breastfeeding mothers can drink this soup without concern. The soup can also include sea coconut (hai di ye) and be made with quail instead of partridge — just make sure any sea coconut purchased is genuine, as fakes are very common.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Mon): My daughter’s cough started with yellow phlegm and a slightly hoarse voice; now it has become less phlegmy but she still coughs all day. She has no fever. Can she drink this soup? I only have regular licorice, not honey-roasted — is that okay? Bro Niu: As long as your daughter has no fever, she can drink this soup. Regular licorice can substitute for the honey-roasted type. If the phlegm is yellow, you can also make fritillaria and pear water alongside — add north and south almonds (nan bei xing) for even better results.
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Q (Catherine): My whole family tested positive. This soup has been very effective for cough and phlegm. Can a pregnant friend drink it too? Bro Niu: Yes, pregnant women can drink this soup.
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Q (annie): My 2-year-old has phlegm but cannot cough it out — what can I add to the partridge soup? Bro Niu: If it is not from a cold or flu, you can add 1–2 pears, lily bulbs (bai he, 1 liang), fritillaria (2 qian), north and south almonds (nan bei xing, 1 liang) and dried tangerine peel (chen pi, 1 piece). The whole family can drink it — it helps dissolve phlegm, ease coughing and strengthen lung qi.
Published May 31, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
