Soups
Tiger Milk Mushroom, Glehnia, and Ophiopogon Soup
traditionally used to moisten the lungs, ease coughing, and support immune function
Why people make this soup
Tiger milk mushroom (hu ru ling zhi) is a fungus native to Southeast Asia that has been used in traditional wellness practices for generations. Unlike many herbal soups that can taste medicinal and sharp, this one is notably mild and pleasant — something Bro Niu emphasises when recommending it to families with children. The mushroom pairs with a group of classic “lung-nourishing” herbs: glehnia root, Solomon’s seal, and ophiopogon (also called lilyturf root), which together create a soup traditionally associated with moistening dry respiratory passages and supporting the body’s natural defences. Dried figs and carrot round out the flavour and add gentle sweetness.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for most adults, children over roughly 3 years, and pregnant women; a tonifying herb-free meat option can be added if desired
- Safe when one has mild, recovering illness without fever — as long as no active fever is present
- Not appropriate during an active fever or acute infection; those with heavy damp-heat constitution (thick, greasy tongue coating, profuse phlegm) may find a different soup better suited to them
- Black reishi (hei ling zhi) can substitute for tiger milk mushroom, though it is slightly more bitter
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Tiger milk mushroom (hu ru ling zhi): Contains polysaccharides and is traditionally associated with strengthening lung qi, easing coughs and asthma, and supporting immune regulation
- Glehnia root (sha shen): A classic yin-nourishing herb for the lungs; used when the airways feel dry or scratchy
- Solomon’s seal (yu zhu): Moistens the lungs and stomach; traditionally paired with glehnia for dry, non-productive coughs
- Ophiopogon root (mai dong): Nourishes yin, clears mild lung heat, and soothes the throat
- Apricot kernels (nan bei xing): The “double apricot” combination — one variety loosens phlegm, the other calms coughs; a Cantonese soup staple
- Dried figs (wu hua guo): Naturally sweet; traditionally used to soothe the throat and support digestion
- Carrot (hong luo bo): Adds sweetness and is associated with lung and eye health in traditional food therapy
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tiger milk mushroom (hu ru ling zhi) | ~38 g (1 liang) | Now greenhouse-grown and reasonably priced; hei ling zhi can substitute |
| Glehnia root (sha shen) | ~19 g (5 qian) | Soak and rinse |
| Solomon’s seal (yu zhu) | ~19 g (5 qian) | Soak and rinse |
| Ophiopogon root (mai dong) | ~19 g (5 qian) | Soak and rinse |
| Northern + southern apricot kernels (nan bei xing) | ~38 g (1 liang) combined | |
| Dried figs (wu hua guo) | 3–4 pieces | Split in half |
| Carrot | 1 medium | Peeled, cut into chunks |
| Water | 7–8 bowls (~1.4–1.6 litres) |
Method
- Peel the carrot and cut into large chunks. Split the dried figs in half.
- Soak and rinse the remaining dried herbs (mushroom, glehnia, Solomon’s seal, ophiopogon, apricot kernels).
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 7–8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour until the liquid reduces to about 3–4 bowls.
- Serve and drink while warm. Meat (pork or chicken) can be added if desired — add it raw at the start along with the other ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
Tiger milk mushroom has become much more affordable since greenhouse cultivation became common. Its mild, slightly sweet taste makes it one of the more palatable mushrooms in herbal soup — children rarely object to it. If you cannot source it, snow fungus (xue er) is a reasonable substitute for its lung-nourishing effect. You can also add fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan) or cordyceps flowers (chong cao hua) to this soup if you wish. For a child with persistent nasal drip alongside the cough, add 6–8 magnolia buds (xin yi hua, crushed) near the end of cooking.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (pi): My 3-year-old daughter has been coughing for nearly a month with no fever but recurring nasal discharge. Can she drink this soup? Bro Niu: As long as there is no fever, both you and your daughter can drink this soup. Try 3 consecutive servings and see if it helps. For the runny nose, let her drink a tea made from about 8 magnolia buds (xin yi hua) — split them open before steeping, and a little honey can be added.
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Q (Rkkk): Can black reishi substitute for tiger milk mushroom? Bro Niu: Yes, black reishi can be used, though it has a slightly bitter taste. Tiger milk mushroom is mild and sweet-tasting, so children tend not to resist it.
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Q (reader from UK): What can replace tiger milk mushroom? It is not available here. Bro Niu: Snow fungus (xue er) can be used instead — it is also beneficial for the lungs.
Published March 26, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
