Soups
Houttuynia and Fig Soup
traditionally used to clear lung heat, ease cough, and support respiratory comfort
Why people make this soup
Long-term smokers and older adults sometimes develop a pattern that traditional Chinese food therapy describes as lung heat and dryness — symptoms that show up as breathlessness, a persistent cough producing thick yellow phlegm, a sore dry throat, and constipation. Bro Niu came across this simple two-ingredient remedy in a food-therapy reference and found fresh houttuynia paired with figs to be both pleasant-tasting and easy to prepare. The combination is traditionally said to clear heat from the lungs, ease coughing, and gently lubricate the bowel — all from ingredients you can find at a Chinese herbalist or a well-stocked Asian market.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits adults who experience dry heat-type coughs, thick yellow phlegm, a parched throat, or sluggish digestion associated with long-term smoking or warm-weather conditions.
- Those with a cold constitution (always feeling chilly, loose stools, pale tongue) should add a small piece of dried tangerine peel (chen pi) to moderate the cooling nature of houttuynia.
- Not a substitute for medical care in diagnosed emphysema or other respiratory illness — please see a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Houttuynia (yu xing cao): One of the most researched herbs in traditional Chinese medicine for respiratory complaints. Its active antibacterial constituents are found in its volatile oils and are easily destroyed by prolonged boiling, so fresh herb added at the end — or dry herb cooked briefly — is preferred. Traditionally associated with clearing lung heat, resolving phlegm, and supporting the body’s resistance to infection.
- Dried fig (wu hua guo): Gentle and sweet, figs are traditionally considered to nourish the lungs, moisten the throat, support digestion, and ease constipation. Their long simmer time extracts the nourishing quality before the houttuynia is added.
- Rock sugar (bing tang): Added mainly for taste; it also has a mild lung-moistening quality in traditional use.
Ingredients (2–3 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh houttuynia (yu xing cao) | 75 g (about 2 liang) | Dry herb 1 liang works too |
| Dried figs (wu hua guo) | 4 pieces | Rinse and slice |
| Rock sugar | To taste | Add near the end |
Method
- Wash the fresh houttuynia well and cut into sections. If using dried houttuynia, rinse briefly.
- Rinse the figs and slice each one in half.
- Bring 5 bowls of water to a boil. Add the figs and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the houttuynia and rock sugar, and cook for a further 10 minutes only — do not over-boil or the active volatile oils in the herb will dissipate.
- Serve warm as a drink. Can be shared between 2–3 people.
Bro Niu’s tips
The key with houttuynia is timing: the antibacterial compounds sit in its volatile oil and are quickly lost if you boil the herb too long or leave it sitting in strong sunlight before use. Fresh herb added near the end of cooking gives the best result. Dried herb works but needs a few extra minutes. Either way, keep the final simmer short — 10 minutes is enough.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader, 珍): Bro Niu, I tend to run cold — weak digestion, always feeling chilly. Can I drink this soup? Bro Niu: Just add a piece of dried tangerine peel (chen pi) when you cook it — that balances the cooling nature. Figs are actually slightly warm in character, so with the peel added you’ll be fine.
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Q (Tingting): My daughter has been sick for over half a month. Her cough has improved a little but there’s still thick phlegm she can’t clear, and her nose is running green. Is there anything to help? Bro Niu: Green nasal mucus suggests bacterial inflammation — she really should see a doctor for that. For helping clear phlegm and settle the nose, try simmering magnolia flower (xin yi hua), perilla seed (su zi), and radish seed (lai fu zi), 3 qian each, in pork broth. It can help, but a doctor’s visit is still needed to properly clear the infection.
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Q (曾太): Bro Niu, can a breastfeeding mother drink houttuynia soup? My baby is 3 months old. Bro Niu: Yes, a breastfeeding mother can drink houttuynia soup — just make sure to have it after feeding, not right before.
Published June 3, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
