Soups
Northern Apricot Kernel and Pig Lung Soup
Northern Apricot Kernel and Pig Lung Soup is a classic folk medicinal soup. Based on the traditional Chinese medical principle of "using form to supplement form," it pairs pig lung, which is believed to tonify the lungs, with northern apricot kernels, which are known for relieving cough and asthma. Northern apricot kernels, also known as bitter almonds, have stronger medicinal properties compared to southern apricot kernels (sweet almonds) and are specifically used for "directing lung qi downward to relieve cough and asthma". This soup is simple to prepare, has a light and moist flavor, and offers a targeted effect of relieving cough, resolving phlegm, and tonifying the lungs. It serves as an excellent adjunct dietary therapy for chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and persistent coughs.
Main Ingredients
- Fresh pig lung 250g
- Northern apricot kernel (bitter almond / Beixing) 10g
- Fresh ginger juice 1-2 tablespoons
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Steps
Rinse thoroughly: Attach the pig lung's trachea to a water tap and repeatedly fill and drain it with water until the lung expands to a white color and no blood-tinged foam remains. This process must be repeated multiple times to ensure thorough cleaning. Cut into pieces: Cut the cleaned pig lung into appropriately sized pieces. Blanch: Boil the lung pieces in boiling water for 5 minutes, then remove, rinse with clean water, and drain. This step further removes residual blood and gamey odors.
Briefly rinse 10 grams of northern apricot kernels with water.
Place the prepared pig lung pieces and northern apricot kernels into a soup pot. Add enough water to cover all ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1 hour.
Just before the soup is done, add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh ginger juice. Add salt to taste. Stir well and turn off the heat.
Drink the soup and eat the pig lung. Consume 2 times daily, in moderation.
TCM Notes
Pig Lung: Sweet in taste and neutral in nature, it acts on the Lung meridian. In TCM, it is believed to tonify lung deficiency, relieve cough, and stop bleeding. It is traditionally used to treat lung-deficient coughs and chronic cough with hemoptysis. This is based on the "like supplements like" theory. Northern Apricot Kernel (Bitter Almond) : Bitter in taste, slightly warm in nature, with mild toxicity, it acts on the Lung and Large Intestine meridians. Its core effects are to direct qi downward, relieve cough, calm wheezing, and moisten the intestines to relieve constipation. Its active compound, "amygdalin," is both the source of its efficacy and its toxicity. Therefore, its dosage must be strictly controlled, generally not exceeding 10 grams. The toxicity is significantly reduced through heating and simmering. Ginger Juice: Pungent in taste and slightly warm in nature, it acts on the Lung and Spleen meridians. It can release the exterior, induce sweating, warm the middle, stop vomiting, and warm the lungs to relieve cough. In this soup, ginger juice not only enhances flavor and removes fishiness but also strengthens the formula's ability to warm the lungs, dispel cold, and resolve phlegm. Together, these ingredients achieve the effects of directing qi downward, resolving phlegm, warming the lungs, relieving cough, and tonifying the lungs to calm wheezing.
Suitable for：Those with chronic bronchitis Those with emphysema Those with persistent cough with thin white phlegm Those with constipation due to intestinal dryness Those with prolonged cough during the later stages of influenza
Not suitable for：Pregnant women and infants: Strictly contraindicated due to the mild toxicity of northern apricot kernels. Those with Yin deficiency cough or lung-heat dry cough: Symptoms include dry cough with little phlegm, dry throat and mouth, and thick yellow phlegm. Not suitable. Those with excess heat constitution or prone to internal heat: Northern apricot kernels are slightly warm in nature and may aggravate internal heat. Those allergic to apricot kernels. Those with loose stools or diarrhea: Northern apricot kernels have a mild laxative effect, which may worsen diarrhea. General population: Should not consume in excess. Those taking certain medications: According to TCM theory, bitter almonds have contraindications when combined with herbs such as Scutellaria, Astragalus, and Pueraria. Please consult a physician.
