Dragon Tongue Leaf, Apple, Carrot and Lean Pork Soup

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. Nourilo 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.