Fig, Fresh Lily Bulb and Houttuynia Soup

Why people make this soup

Nourilo wrote this one for long-term smokers, who often run into lung trouble with age — phlegm and cough, and in worse cases a sense of breathlessness at night. He’s quick to add that the people around a smoker can develop similar symptoms from secondhand smoke, so the real “remedy” is to quit for everyone’s sake. In the meantime, this simple, fragrant soup is traditionally used to clear lung heat, ease cough, and keep things moving.

Method

1. Rinse the figs and cut them in half.
2. Wash the fresh lily bulb.
3. Cut the fresh houttuynia into segments and rinse.
4. Bring everything to a boil in about 1.4 L of water and cook for 20 minutes.
5. Add the rock sugar, let it dissolve down to about 600 ml, and serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

Houttuynia contains volatile oils, so don’t boil it for long. This light, fragrant soup suits anyone with a hot cough and wheeze, or breathlessness.