Soups
Longdi Leaf, Apricot Kernel and Apple Soup
Traditionally supports clearing phlegm and easing persistent cough
Why people make this soup
When the weather swings between warm and cool — as it does in early spring — coughs tend to linger long after a cold clears. Children especially struggle because they cannot cough up phlegm effectively, and a stubborn rattling cough wears out the whole family. This gently sweet soup is a Hong Kong staple for those situations. Longdi leaf (a common fresh herb in Cantonese kitchens, available at Chinese or Asian grocers) is well known in Cantonese food therapy for breaking up phlegm, while apricot kernels moisten and support the lungs. Adding apple not only makes the flavor more appealing to children, but also contributes its own moistening quality.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for the whole family, including young children
- Works well for cough accompanied by phlegm — whether the phlegm is clear or slightly yellow
- Those with cold-type phlegm (thin, clear, watery phlegm with no throat inflammation) may do better with the addition of dried tangerine peel (chen pi) rather than the soup as written
- Safe to drink alongside Western medicine; no need to space them out by two hours
- Pregnant women in the first trimester can also drink this soup
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Longdi leaf (long li ye): This tropical herb is a mainstay in Cantonese kitchen medicine; it is traditionally considered to resolve phlegm and calm coughs without being overly cooling or drying
- Apricot kernels (nan/bei xing): Used in pairs — the southern (sweet) type provides a moistening quality while the northern (bitter) type adds descending, anti-cough action; together they support the lungs
- Honey dates (mi zao): Naturally sweet, these help harmonize the soup and support the digestive system
- Apple: Adds natural sweetness, makes the soup palatable for children, and is associated with a gentle moistening effect on the lungs
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh longdi leaf (long li ye) | 1 liang (~37 g) | Available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online; dried version (5 qian) is an acceptable substitute |
| Southern + northern apricot kernels (nan bei xing) | 1 liang (~37 g) combined | Pre-mixed packets available at herbal shops |
| Honey dates (mi zao) | 3 pieces | |
| Apple | 2 | Wash, core, cut into chunks; no need to peel |
| Water | 6 bowls (~1.4 L) |
Method
- Rinse the longdi leaf thoroughly.
- Wash and core the apples, then cut into chunks.
- Place all ingredients — longdi leaf, apricot kernels, honey dates, and apple — into a pot with 6 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for about 1 hour until the liquid reduces to approximately 3–4 bowls.
- Strain or drink with the soft apple and honey dates.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup has a clean, naturally sweet taste that the whole family can enjoy. For an everyday household soup, you can add a portion of lean pork for more body and nutrition. If green or yellow phlegm is present (indicating more heat), Bro Niu recommends adding a quarter of a luohanguo (monk fruit) to help clear heat while you continue the soup for 2–3 doses.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Lorna): My 4-year-old has been coughing with heavy phlegm, has had low fever, and is now on his second round of Western medicine. Can I give him this apple longdi leaf soup at the same time? Bro Niu: Yes, go ahead and make this soup for your child. If there is a lot of phlegm, you can add a quarter of a luohanguo (monk fruit) to the pot as well.
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Q (Kristy): My 7-year-old daughter has green phlegm after a cold, coughing mostly in the mornings. What should I make for her? Bro Niu: Green phlegm indicates the inflammation has not fully resolved. Try using fresh longdi leaf 1 liang, a quarter of a luohanguo (monk fruit), northern apricot kernels 3 qian, and 1 cored pear, in 5 bowls of water simmered down to 2 bowls. Take for 3 doses. If green phlegm continues, she should see a doctor for anti-inflammatory medicine — you can still give the soup 1 hour after medication.
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Q (Jessica, from Australia): I cannot find fresh longdi leaf here. What can I substitute? Bro Niu: Try to find dried longdi leaf — that works too, use about 5 qian. If that is also unavailable, a dried orange peel biscuit (jie bing) or luohanguo can substitute. Just leave out the honey dates in that case so the soup does not become too sweet.
Published February 15, 2014 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
