Herbal & Flower Teas
Fresh Houttuynia, Tangerine Peel, and Apricot Kernel Decoction
traditionally used to clear heat, resolve phlegm, and support the respiratory tract
Why people make this drink
Houttuynia (yu xing cao) — sometimes called fish mint or fish-wort — is a pungent wild herb long used in Chinese folk medicine as one of the primary natural tools for lung and respiratory support. The fresh herb is significantly more active than the dried version, and crucially, it must not be simmered for too long — its beneficial volatile oils dissipate with prolonged cooking. Fresh houttuynia is available at Chinese or Asian grocers and online. Paired with tangerine peel (which warms, helps move phlegm, and counterbalances the herb’s cooling nature) and apricot kernels (which support the lungs), this is a practical, accessible daily drink for anyone looking to support their respiratory health. Those without confirmed illness can also drink it as a precautionary measure.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for adults and children (including babies from 9 months, per Bro Niu’s guidance — give half a bowl)
- Suitable both for those with respiratory infections and as a preventive measure during viral seasons
- Those with a very cold (han) constitution should be cautious about quantity — the tangerine peel and honey dates in this recipe help moderate the cooling nature of houttuynia
- For diabetics: replace honey dates with 4 coconut dates (ye zao), which have a lower glycaemic index
- If you have a sore throat, omit honey dates and replace with a quarter of a golden monk fruit
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh houttuynia (yu xing cao): One of the most widely used wild herbs in Chinese folk medicine for respiratory health; traditionally associated with clearing heat, dissolving toxins, resolving phlegm, draining abscess, and supporting the body’s immune defences. Contains volatile oils that are medicinal — do not overcook (20 minutes maximum)
- Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): Warming, aromatic, and phlegm-resolving; also helps soften blood vessel walls. It counterbalances houttuynia’s cooling nature and makes the drink more tolerable for people with a cold constitution. Rinse, soak briefly, and include the soaking water in the pot
- Mixed apricot kernels (nan bei xing): Southern kernels moisten the lungs; northern kernels calm coughing and breathing; together they support lung function — use in a 7:3 ratio; do not overuse northern kernels
- Honey dates (mi zao): Naturally sweet, they add pleasantness and moderate the herb’s cooling properties. For diabetics, coconut dates (ye zao) are a better choice as they do not raise blood sugar as readily
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh houttuynia herb | half jin (~300 g) | Rinsed; cut into sections |
| Dried tangerine peel | 2 pieces | Rinsed; soaked in water (include soaking water) |
| Mixed apricot kernels (nan + bei xing) | 1 liang (~37 g) | Rinse; approx. 7:3 southern:northern |
| Honey dates | 2 pieces | (Or substitute 4 dried figs) |
| Water | 6 bowls (approx. 1.5 litres) |
Method
- Rinse the fresh houttuynia thoroughly and cut into sections.
- Rinse the tangerine peel, soak in a little water until slightly softened; keep the soaking liquid to add to the pot.
- Rinse the apricot kernels and honey dates.
- Place the tangerine peel (with soaking liquid), apricot kernels, and honey dates in a pot with 6 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the fresh houttuynia herb.
- Continue simmering for 15–20 minutes only — do not overcook beyond 20 minutes or the beneficial volatile oils will be lost.
- Serve warm.
Bro Niu’s tips
The most important caution with this recipe: do not boil houttuynia for too long. Its therapeutic volatile compounds dissipate with heat. If you are using other ingredients that take longer (such as other herbs or pork), simmer those first for 30–40 minutes, then add the houttuynia in the final 15–20 minutes. If fresh houttuynia is unavailable, dried herb can be used — 1 liang (per person) per batch, same 20-minute cooking time. The tangerine peel’s white pith does not need to be scraped off — it contributes to phlegm resolution and softening of blood vessel walls.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (芬女): Can I use dried houttuynia? I want to bring some to the UK to use while visiting family. Bro Niu: Yes, dried herb works fine — use 1 liang per batch, and keep the same cooking time of 20 minutes. Do not overcook the dried version either.
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Q (Mandy): Can a 9-month-old baby drink this? Bro Niu: A 9-month-old can have half a bowl.
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Q (reader, Wei): My elderly male relative has long-term diabetes and has recently been infected. Is this drink suitable for him? Bro Niu: Yes, but do not use honey dates — replace them with 4 coconut dates (ye zao). Coconut dates do not raise blood sugar as readily as honey dates.
Published March 10, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
