Nourilo

Soups

Glehnia Root, Ophiopogon, Snow Fungus, Almond and Pig Lung Soup

Traditionally associated with nourishing the lungs, moistening dryness, calming chronic cough, and supporting recovery from respiratory illness

In short: Glehnia Root, Ophiopogon, Snow Fungus, Almond and Pig Lung Soup is a soup that Traditionally associated with nourishing the lungs, moistening dryness, calming chronic cough, and supporting recovery from respiratory illness. It is most often made for respiratory & lung wellness, cooling & summer heat, sleep & calm. Total time about 140 min. Key ingredients: glehnia root, snow fungus, figs, lean pork.

By · Published under our editorial policy · Research library

Prep
20 min
Cook
120 min
Total
140 min
Makes
1.2 L
Respiratory & Lung WellnessCooling & Summer HeatSleep & CalmEnergy & VitalityEveryday Balance
Glehnia Root, Ophiopogon, Snow Fungus, Almond and Pig Lung Soup

Why people make this soup

Whether it is a lingering bronchitis, a cough left over after a respiratory illness, tuberculosis, or emphysema — when the lungs have been under strain for a long time, Chinese food therapy points toward a specific approach: nourish the yin, moisten the dryness, and restore what was depleted. Nourilo found a beautifully cleaned pig lung at the market one day and used it as the centrepiece for this soup, pairing it with the classic Cantonese lung-nourishing combination of glehnia root, ophiopogon, and snow fungus. The result is a gentle, subtly sweet soup with a comforting quality — the kind of soup that feels genuinely restorative after a period of respiratory struggle.

What studies say about the key ingredients

Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.

  • Snow fungus · Randomized controlled trial · 2018
    The Tremella fuciformis groups showed greater improvements than placebo in subjective memory complaint scores, short-term memory and executive function tests. Adverse event frequency was similar across high-dose, low-dose and placebo groups.Limitation: Small sample with only 15 people in the placebo group and a short 8-week duration; the brain imaging findings were exploratory.PubMed 29319408

From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.

Safety first — read before you cook

This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
  • take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
  • have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.

Ingredient notes for this recipe

  • Apricot kernels: Raw apricot kernels contain amygdalin, which turns into cyanide after eating. EFSA estimates that half of one small raw kernel can exceed the safe level for a toddler. Use no more than the recipe states, never eat them raw, and do not serve them to young children. Source: European Food Safety Authority

Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes

Members only

Unlock the full method & Nourilo's tips

One payment, lifetime access to every one of our 2,344 recipes — step-by-step methods, preparation tips and serving notes.

  • Full step-by-step method for this and all 2,344 recipes
  • Nourilo's Tips — sourcing, substitutions and serving notes
  • One-time payment · card, Apple Pay or Google Pay · no subscription, no renewals

Checking your access…

Spot an error? Report a correction

You might also like

Related recipes

More soups →

Comments

Loading comments…