Instead of changing our environment with humidifiers to relieve cough and a runny nose, there are things we can eat to help "moisturize" our lungs and body. These things do not harm our bodies nor does it damage our wall paper.
During the cold winters of San Francisco, many customers come in with a dry cough or a runny nose, but they aren't sick, just dry and uncomfortable. Many Chinese grandmothers know about this formula but most people don't. What is it composed of?
From left to right:
1. Xing Ren/Bei Xing/ Ku Xing Ren/Bitter Almond (Semen Armeniacae Amarae) 9g
2. Mi Zao 2 or 3 depending on how sweet you want it.
3. Chuan Bei Mu/ Bei Mu/ (Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae) 9g (powdered) (Makes sure to ask for it to be packaged separately as it should be cooked in the last 10 minutes only.)
4. Long Li Ye 15g
5. Nan Xing ren 15g (Nan Xing Ren should always be three times more than Bei Xing Ren.)
bitter and slightly toxic herb has been used in TCM to treat coughing and asthma, enhance bowl movement. moisten the intestine, etc, as it calms cough and asthma, enhances expelling of phlegm, stop constipation, etc., by enhancing the function of lung and large intestine channels.(1)
2. Mi Zao or Shelled Chestnut is usually added to soups and teas just to make things a little sweeter, naturally, because sometimes the medicine can taste real bad and Chinese people like their soup with a hint of sweetness.
3. Chuan Bei Mu is capable of clearing and resolving stagnant heat and resolving phlegm and dissipating nodulation. (2)
4. Long Li Ye nourishes the lung and relieve cough, relax the bowels. (3)
5. Nan Xing or Nan Xing Ren is another almond from the south, which is always combined with bei xing ren, with bei meaning North.
This formula not only helps relieve cough, but also moisturizes the lungs and intestines. Wonderful isn't it?
Cooking Directions:
1.Put 4 cups of water in a stainless steel pot.
2. Pour in all herbs except for CHUAN BEI MU.
3. Turn fire on high and bring to boil.
4. Once boiling turn fire to low and let water simmer down to one 1.5 cups or simmer for 45 minutes.
5. Pour in CHUAN BEI MU and let it simmer for 10 more minutes.
6. Enjoy and feel your lungs moisturize!!
