Breath of Autumn Top Chinese Herbal Soup Recipes for Lung Care
As the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, autumn arrives, heralding a season of transformation. It's a time when nature itself transitions from the heat of summer to the coolness of winter. In Chinese medicine, this transition is closely linked to the lungs, which are associated with the element of metal and are responsible for the function of respiration. To maintain lung health during this season, it's essential to nourish and strengthen the lungs with the right herbal remedies. Here, we present some of the best Chinese herbal soup recipes that can help you care for your lungs this autumn.
1. Bamboo Shoot and Pigeon Pea Soup
Bamboo shoots, with their cooling properties, help to clear heat from the lungs and respiratory system. Pigeon peas, rich in nutrients, support lung health and are believed to strengthen the immune system. This soup is a delightful way to keep your lungs healthy during the autumn season.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
- 1 cup pigeon peas, soaked overnight
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil.
- Add the bamboo shoots, pigeon peas, ginger, and garlic, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
2. Goosegizzard and Fritillaria Soup
This traditional Chinese soup is renowned for its ability to nourish the lungs and soothe sore throats. The fritillaria, known as Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat respiratory issues.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole goosegizzard, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 50 grams of Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii, crushed
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon ginseng, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Astragalus Root, crushed
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil.
- Add the goosegizzard, fritillaria, ginseng, and Astragalus Root, and simmer for 1 hour.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve warm.
3. Cod Fish and Dried Tangerine Peel Soup
Cod fish, with its nourishing properties, is excellent for lung health. Dried tangerine peel, known as Chen Pi, helps to clear phlegm and support respiratory function. This soup is a comforting and flavorful way to maintain lung health during the autumn.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole cod fish, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 20 grams of dried tangerine peel, crushed
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 slices of ginger
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil.
- Add the cod fish, dried tangerine peel, and ginger, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
4. Sour Plum and Honey Soup
Sour plums, known as Shan Zao in Chinese medicine, are excellent for nourishing the lungs and reducing inflammation. This soup is a sweet and tangy treat that can help keep your lungs healthy during the autumn months.
Ingredients:
- 50 grams of sour plums, soaked in water for 2 hours
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine the sour plums, water, and ginger, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the honey and salt to taste.
- Serve warm.
These herbal soup recipes are not only nourishing but also easy to prepare. Incorporating these into your autumn diet can help you maintain lung health and enjoy the beauty of the season. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal treatment.
