Salt-Steamed Orange

Why people make this

Here is a curious fact that many people do not know: raw orange can actually make coughs worse by increasing respiratory secretions and stimulating more phlegm production. Yet a steamed orange does the opposite — it helps dissolve phlegm and soothes the throat. The transformation happens because heat activates the bioflavonoids in the orange peel, particularly a compound called hesperidin (cheng pi su), which has documented anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and cough-suppressant properties. Adding a pinch of salt enhances the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. This remedy is particularly effective for heat-related coughs — the kind that follows eating fried or rich food, comes with yellow or thick phlegm, and produces a dry, irritated throat sensation.