Soups
Xin Yi and Cang Er Soup
Traditionally clears the nasal passages and eases sniffles
Why people make this soup
When the air turns dry, Bro Niu sees a lot of people sneezing, dripping clear mucus and walking around with a permanently blocked nose. Some have caught a cold; most are dealing with a flare-up of allergic rhinitis. This soup brings together magnolia bud, xanthium fruit and bai zhi — herbs traditionally used to disperse wind, open the nasal passages and ease the headache-and-pressure feeling that comes with a congested nose.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits adults with a stuffy, dripping nose, frequent sneezing, clear discharge, and a heavy, achy head from congestion.
- Xanthium fruit is mildly toxic — keep strictly to the small dose; large amounts cause problems. Children over 3 use half the amount (bai zhi 2 qian). Not for infants. Pregnant women and feverish people should ask a practitioner first.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Magnolia bud (xin yi hua): the bud of the magnolia; traditionally tightens the nasal lining and reduces watery discharge — a very gentle herb.
- Xanthium fruit (cang er zi): traditionally used to open the nose and relieve sinus pressure; used only in small amounts.
- Bai zhi (Angelica dahurica): traditionally disperses wind and eases head and sinus pain.
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Magnolia bud (xin yi hua) | ~15 g (4 qian) | tap flat with the back of a knife |
| Xanthium fruit (cang er zi) | ~15 g (4 qian) | mildly toxic — do not exceed |
| Bai zhi | ~7.5 g (2 qian) | |
| Rock sugar | to taste | optional, for easier sipping |
| Water | 4 bowls | reduce to 2 |
Method
- Rinse the ingredients. Tap the magnolia buds flat with the back of a knife so they release flavour.
- Place everything in a pot with 4 bowls of water and simmer down to 2 bowls.
- Drink over the day. Add a little rock sugar if you like.
Bro Niu’s tips
Children over 3 may drink it at half the amount; a little rock sugar makes it easier to take. If only a runny nose remains, you can simply steep magnolia buds alone as a tea (snip the buds open so they release flavour) and add a little honey.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (anonymous): Is xanthium fruit (cang er zi) toxic? Bro Niu: Cang er zi is mildly toxic, but at 2–3 qian there are generally few side effects; problems only arise with large doses.
- Q (Annie): How many servings is this soup, how long do I drink it for, and how much per day? Bro Niu: This amount is one day’s serving for an adult, or two days for a child.
- Q (Sandy): How long do I simmer it to get two bowls? Bro Niu: Simmer 4 bowls of water down to 2 over about half an hour.
Published October 30, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
