Xin Yi and Cang Er Soup

Why people make this soup

When the air turns dry, Nourilo 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.

Method

1. Rinse the ingredients. Tap the magnolia buds flat with the back of a knife so they release flavour.
2. Place everything in a pot with 1.2 L of water and simmer down to 600 ml.
3. Drink over the day. Add a little rock sugar if you like.

Nourilo’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.