Soups
Dragon Tongue Leaf, Apple, Carrot and Lean Pork Soup
Traditionally used to clear lung heat, soothe dry or post-illness cough, and moisten the respiratory tract
Why people make this soup
Dry weather and rich, spicy meals are a predictable combination in cooler months — and for many families, the result is an itchy throat, a persistent dry cough, and constipation. Bro Niu has a particular soft spot for fresh dragon tongue leaf because it solves a common parenting dilemma: when a child is coughing but you cannot tell whether it is a hot or cold cough, this leaf is one of the few ingredients that works across both types. Its nature is gentle and balanced — not cooling enough to make a cold cough worse, not warming enough to inflame a hot one.
Dragon tongue leaf (long li ye) has a mild, slightly sweet taste and is traditionally valued for clearing heat, dissolving phlegm, and easing bowel movements. Combined with apple for gentle moistening, carrot for sweetness and carotene, and apricot kernels as the classic lung-supporting kernel, this soup is a solid family standby for respiratory wellness — one that is mild enough to serve to toddlers and safe for nursing mothers.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for all ages including young children and the elderly
- Suitable for nursing mothers
- Pregnant women may also drink this soup
- Helpful for acute or chronic bronchitis, post-cold lingering cough, sore throat, and hoarse voice
- If the cough produces thick yellow mucus, this soup can still help; however, Bro Niu advises seeing a doctor if yellow mucus persists
- No significant cautions — this is one of the gentler respiratory soups in Cantonese food therapy
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Dragon tongue leaf (long li ye): Sweet and bland in taste, neutral in nature. Traditionally used for clearing heat and dissolving phlegm, lubricating the intestines, and supporting bowel regularity. Its neutral temperament makes it suitable for uncertain cough types.
- Apple: Moistening and slightly cool; provides gentle fluid support for the lungs and throat. In this soup the core is removed but the skin is kept — wash thoroughly.
- Carrot (gan sun): Sweet and slightly warm; rich in carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Traditionally used to strengthen the lungs and support the eyes.
- Apricot kernels — north and south combined (nan bei xing): Southern sweet almonds are moistening; northern bitter kernels are more actively cough-suppressing and phlegm-dissolving. Together they form a classic lung pair. Note: apple cores also contain bitter glycosides, which is why they are removed.
- Lean pork: Provides protein and enriches the broth without excess fat.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh dragon tongue leaf (long li ye) | 1 liang (~37 g) | Rinse well; dried versions available at herb shops if fresh is unavailable |
| Apple | 1 medium | Wash with skin on, remove the core, cut into thick slices |
| Carrot (gan sun) | 1 medium | Peel and cut into chunks |
| Apricot kernels, north and south (nan bei xing) | 1 liang (~37 g) | Combined sweet and bitter; available at Chinese herb shops |
| Lean pork | ~300 g (half jin) | Blanch briefly to remove impurities |
| Water | 7 rice bowls (approx. 1.4 litres) |
Method
- Rinse the dragon tongue leaf thoroughly under running water.
- Wash the apple well, keeping the skin on. Remove and discard the core (the seeds and core contain bitter compounds). Cut the apple into thick wedges.
- Peel the carrot and cut into large chunks.
- Blanch the lean pork in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and slice.
- Place all ingredients into a pot with 7 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Simmer for 1 hour until the broth is naturally sweet and fragrant.
- Season lightly with salt and serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
- This soup is mild and gentle enough for the whole family including young children. Serve children a smaller portion adjusted for their age and size.
- For particularly heavy phlegm, a quarter of a dried monk fruit (luo han guo) can be added to the soup without making it too cooling.
- If pear is available, it can substitute for or complement the apple — remove the core and seeds, as these have mild toxicity.
- This soup is safe for nursing mothers and pregnant women, making it a reliable household remedy during the colder months.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (晨曦 / Chenxi): My 2.5-year-old daughter has severe throat inflammation and has been on antibiotics, but her cough is still very bad at night with lots of phlegm. Is there something suitable? Bro Niu: You can try 3 qian loquat leaf (pi pa ye), 1 liang fresh dragon tongue leaf, 1 carrot, 1 liang north-south apricot kernels, and 1 dried orange cake (ju bing), all simmered in 5 bowls of water to make 2 bowls. This helps dissolve phlegm and stop coughing.
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Q (michelle): Can nursing mothers drink the dragon tongue leaf and apple soup? Bro Niu: Yes, nursing mothers can drink this soup.
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Q (Can): Can I replace the apple with ya pear (duck-billed pear)? Bro Niu: Yes, ya pear works well as a substitute — just be sure to remove the core, as the seeds and core have mild toxicity.
Published December 12, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
