Soups
Chinese Olive, Green Radish, Fig & Pork Rib Soup
Traditionally used to clear heat, soothe throat inflammation, and relieve a dry, sore throat
Why people make this soup
Teachers, singers, sales staff, receptionists — anyone who uses their voice extensively — are especially prone to chronic throat irritation and laryngitis. Bro Niu suggests this soup for those whose throat feels dry, scratchy, or inflamed after heavy voice use. It’s also a good seasonal soup in autumn when dry air tends to affect the throat. For everyday prevention, he recommends maintaining a habit of light soothing teas like lemon honey water, monk fruit tea, or burdock tea.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Particularly suitable for people who use their voice a lot; those with a dry, sore, or inflamed throat
- Good for the whole family, including children (Bro Niu confirmed it’s safe for toddlers from around 18 months, but if tonsil swelling persists, see a doctor)
- Suitable during and just after a fever, once the fever has resolved; can use lean pork instead of ribs if preferred
- Suitable for early pregnancy
- When drinking this soup alongside any tonic herbs (ginseng, astragalus, etc.), be aware that radish is traditionally considered to counteract qi-tonics; avoid combining in the same meal
- If you are taking Chinese herbal medicine, check with your practitioner before consuming radish
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chinese olives (qing lan): Mild in nature; traditionally associated with clearing heat, soothing a sore throat, and counteracting the effects of alcohol; the lower end of the olive is slightly more pungent
- Green radish (qing luo bo): Closely related to white radish; traditionally used to support digestion, resolve phlegm, and clear heat from the throat and lungs; contains vitamin C and plant-based fiber; the top end is sweeter and can be eaten raw
- Dried figs (wu hua guo): Gently nourishing; traditionally used to soothe the throat, moisten the intestines, and support the spleen
- Sweet and bitter apricot kernels (nan bei xing): Classic Cantonese soup ingredient; traditionally used to support the lungs and help clear phlegm
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese olives (qing lan) | 10 pieces | Rinse well |
| Green radish | 1 medium | Peeled, cut into chunks |
| Dried figs | 4 pieces | Rinse |
| Sweet & bitter apricot kernels (nan bei xing) | 38 g (1 liang) | Rinse |
| Pork ribs | approx. 300 g | Blanched first; can omit for a vegetarian version |
| Water | 8 bowls (approx. 1.6 L) |
Method
- Blanch the pork ribs in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then drain and rinse.
- Peel the green radish and cut into large chunks.
- Rinse the olives, figs, and apricot kernels.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium-low simmer.
- Cook for about 2 hours until the soup reduces to roughly 4 bowls. Serve and drink.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup moistens the lungs and soothes the throat, making it suitable for the whole family as a seasonal protective soup against the dry-air irritation of autumn. It can also help prevent and ease hoarseness and vocal cord inflammation. The soup can also be made without pork — just treat it as a vegetable soup.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Miss Wu): My husband just recovered from hand, foot and mouth disease. He still has a slightly sore throat, runny nose, and a little cough. Can I keep making this olive soup for him? He generally has a cold constitution. Bro Niu: Yes, you can continue with this soup — it’s not cooling in nature. For the runny nose, try steeping a few xin yi hua (magnolia flower buds) in hot water as a tea; it helps stop nasal discharge. After he recovers fully, cook a “si shen” (four-herb) pork rib soup to gently restore his digestive strength.
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Q (Moung Kam Wan): A postpartum mother (12 days after a C-section) has sore gums and a sore throat. Can she drink this soup? Bro Niu: Sore gums and throat after delivery are usually signs of “rising fire.” She can drink this soup — I suggest 3 consecutive servings. During this time, avoid tonic soups, especially any containing ginseng, because radish counteracts ginseng’s effects.
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Q (Sam): Can this soup help with acute tonsillitis? Bro Niu: Yes, this soup is suitable for acute tonsillitis. Adding half a monk fruit (luo han guo) makes it even more effective.
Published December 5, 2012 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
