Fritillaria Snow Pear Pig Lung Soup: Benefits & Recipe for Cough Relief

Introduction to Medicinal Food

Chuanbei Xueli Zhufei Tang (Fritillaria cirrhosa and Snow Pear Soup with Pork Lung) is a time-honored traditional medicinal diet, particularly prevalent in the Lingnan region. It skillfully combines Fritillaria cirrhosa (Chuanbei), snow pear (Pyrus pyrifolia), and pork lung, leveraging the nature, flavor, and meridian tropism of the ingredients to achieve the effects of moistening the Lung, transforming Phlegm, stopping cough, and calming wheezing. Rooted in the TCM principle of “using organs to supplement organs,” this soup employs pork lung as the main carrier, supplemented by snow pear to clear Heat and moisten Dryness, and Fritillaria to transform Phlegm and dissipate masses. Through slow simmering, the medicinal properties and flavors mutually infuse, resulting in a nourishing delicacy that is both delicious and health-promoting.

In folk tradition, the soup of Fritillaria cirrhosa (Chuanbei), Snow Pear (Xueli), and Pig’s Lung is often used to relieve dry cough with scant sputum and throat discomfort caused by autumn dryness, or as an adjuvant dietary therapy for patients with chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis. Its flavor is sweet and refreshing, with a slight bitterness from the Fritillaria, which becomes mild and palatable after being harmonized by the snow pear. It can be consumed in all seasons, especially suitable for dry periods. This medicinal dish not only embodies the essence of the “homology of medicine and food” in Traditional Chinese Medicine diet therapy, but also carries the wisdom of gentle regulation and disease prevention in daily life.

Efficacy of Medicinal Diets

The main therapeutic actions of the Sichuan Fritillary Bulb, Snow Pear, and Pig Lung Soup center on moistening the lungs, stopping cough, transforming phlegm, and clearing heat. Sichuan fritillary bulb (Fritillaria cirrhosa) is slightly cold in nature, sweet and bitter in flavor, and enters the Lung Meridian (LU). It clears heat and transforms phlegm, moistens the lungs and stops cough, and dissipates clumps and reduces swelling. It is particularly effective for dry-heat cough and yin-deficiency consumptive cough. Snow pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) is sweet and cold, rich in moisture and fruit acids. It generates fluids, moistens dryness, clears heat, and transforms phlegm, making it a natural remedy for dry and itchy throat and hoarseness.

Pig’s lung follows the “like treats like” principle, entering the Lung Meridian (LU). It can tonify Lung deficiency and stop cough, and is commonly used in TCM dietary therapy to regulate chronic cough and asthma caused by Lung Qi insufficiency. When the three ingredients are combined, this formula can not only clear Lung Heat and moisten Lung Dryness, but also tonify Lung deficiency and strengthen Lung Qi, thereby simultaneously eliminating pathogens and supporting the Righteous (Zheng Qi). For symptoms such as cough due to Lung Heat with yellow, sticky, thick phlegm, or dry cough without phlegm, dry throat and dry mouth, this soup can effectively alleviate airway discomfort, promote phlegm expulsion, and reduce the cough reflex.

Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Moisten the Lung and resolve phlegm

The alkaloids in Fritillaria cirrhosa (Sichuan fritillary bulb) inhibit the cough center and thin phlegm, facilitating its expulsion. The glycosides and tannic acid in snow pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) also help expel phlegm and stop coughing. Pig lung, rich in collagen and elastin, nourishes lung tissue and alleviates lung collateral damage caused by dryness or inflammation. In combination, these three ingredients restore the lung’s dispersing and descending functions, allowing phlegm-turbidity to be transformed and lung qi to flow smoothly.

clear heat and generate fluids

Snow pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) and Chuanbei (Fritillaria cirrhosa) are both cool in nature and can clear and resolve stagnant heat in the Lung Meridian (LU). For cases of external wind-heat or dry-heat damaging the lung, manifesting as fever, slight thirst, and sore throat, this soup effectively clears heat without harming the right qi, and generates fluids without causing greasy stagnation. Although pig lung is neutral in nature, when cooked together with pear and Chuanbei, it leverages its moistening quality to prevent excessive heat-clearing from damaging the stomach qi.

Indicated Population

This medicated diet is most suitable for individuals with chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and patients in the recovery phase of pulmonary tuberculosis, as well as those who develop lung dryness with a dry throat due to long-term smoking. For symptoms such as dry cough with scant sputum, stabbing pain in the throat, and hoarseness of voice that occur in autumn or during dry climatic conditions, consumption of this diet can quickly alleviate discomfort.

Additionally, occupational groups who frequently use their voices, such as teachers, singers, and hosts, may experience Lung yin depletion and throat dryness due to prolonged vocal strain. Regular consumption of this soup can moisten the throat and protect the voice. In the elderly, gradual decline of Lung qi makes them prone to age-related chronic cough, so it is also suitable for them to consume this soup 1–2 times per week to nourish the Lungs. For children presenting with Lung-Heat cough (yellow phlegm, dry mouth, red tongue tip), a small amount may also be taken, provided that there is no concurrent Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold pattern.

Contraindicated Populations

Those with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold, loose stools, or aversion to cold and cold limbs should not consume excessively. Both Chuanbei (Fritillaria cirrhosa) and snow pear are cool in nature; although pig lung is neutral, the overall soup is cold in nature, which can easily damage Spleen Yang, leading to worsened diarrhea or indigestion. Diabetes patients should be cautious when consuming snow pear due to its high sugar content; they can reduce the amount of pear or use Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii) as a partial substitute for sweetness. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume under the guidance of a TCM practitioner, as Chuanbei has a mild blood-activating effect, and those with weak constitution should use it with caution.

Cough caused by exogenous wind-cold (manifesting as a heavy and congested cough sound, thin white phlegm, and clear nasal discharge) is contraindicated for this soup, as its cold nature may exacerbate the cold pathogen. It is also contraindicated for those allergic to *Fritillaria cirrhosa* (Chuan Bei Mu) or pig lung. Additionally, pig lung is relatively high in cholesterol; patients with hyperlipidemia or during an acute flare of gout should reduce their intake.

Ingredient Formula Proportions

Precise Formula (for 2-3 servings as an example):

• Pig Lung: 500 g (One whole fresh pig lung is approximately 500–600 g. Use either a whole or half lung after cleaning.)
• Snow pear (Pyrus pyrifolia): 2 pieces (approximately 300–350 g, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks)
• Fritillaria cirrhosa (Sichuan Fritillary bulb): 10 g (crushed into coarse powder or used whole for better effect)
• Fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinale): 3 slices (approx. 5 g, to remove fishy odor and harmonize the Stomach)
• Salt: appropriate amount (for seasoning, about 2-3 grams)
• Water: 2000–2500 ml (some evaporation occurs during simmering, yielding approximately 1500 ml of decoction)

For a single serving, reduce proportionally, but ensure Chuanbei (Fritillaria cirrhosa) is not less than 5g and snow pear is not less than 1 piece. For diabetes patients, reduce the snow pear to 1 piece or substitute with ya pear (which has slightly lower sugar content). You may also add 3-4 dried figs (Ficus carica, approx. 15g) to enhance the lung-moistening effect.

Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare the pig lung. Rinse the pig lung by pouring water through the tracheal opening, repeatedly knead and squeeze to expel blood water and foam until the lung lobes turn white. Cut into large pieces, place in a pot of cold water, add 2 slices of ginger and a little cooking wine. Bring to a boil, skim off any froth, remove and rinse thoroughly with warm water, then drain and set aside. This step effectively removes any fishy odor and impurities.

Step 2: Prepare the auxiliary ingredients. Wash, peel, and core the snow pears, then cut into 3–4 cm chunks. Lightly crush the Fritillaria cirrhosa (Chuanbei) bulbs in a mortar and pestle (do not grind into powder; retain a granular texture) to facilitate the release of active constituents. Slice the fresh ginger and set aside.

Step 3: Stewing. Place the prepared pig lung pieces, snow pear chunks, crushed Chuanbei (Fritillaria cirrhosa), and ginger slices into an earthenware pot or stewing cup. Add sufficient clean water (approximately 2000 ml). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1.5–2 hours. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface as needed. The dish is ready when the pig lung is tender and soft, the snow pear has dissolved, and the soup appears slightly milky white.

Step 4: Seasoning. Five minutes before turning off the heat, add salt to taste and gently stir to combine. Note that salt should not be added too early, as it may affect the release of flavors from the ingredients and the freshness of the soup. After stewing, the pig lung pieces can be removed and sliced for consumption alongside the soup; the pig lung is tender and soft, while the snow pear will have broken down into pulp and may be discarded or consumed with the soup.

Tips for consumption

1. This decoction should be taken warm, and cold administration should be avoided. A warm decoction better stimulates the medicinal effects and protects the yang qi of the Lung and Stomach. If a large amount is prepared at once, it may be stored refrigerated and must be thoroughly reheated before consumption; however, repeated boiling should be avoided to prevent loss of active constituents.

2. It is recommended to consume 2–3 times per week, with 2 consecutive weeks as one treatment cycle. For patients with chronic cough, the frequency may be adjusted based on symptom improvement. During an acute cough episode, it may be taken once daily for 3 consecutive days; after symptom relief, change to every other day. Children’s dosage should be halved, with Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae (Sichuan Fritillaria) reduced to 5 grams and 1 Pyrus pyrifolia (Asian pear).

3. During consumption, avoid spicy, greasy, and raw/cold foods such as chili peppers, barbecue, and ice cream, as these may irritate the throat and counteract the soup’s efficacy. Also refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption, while maintaining adequate sleep and hydration to support lung repair. If taking other cough-suppressing or phlegm-resolving medications, it is recommended to wait at least one hour before consuming this soup to prevent overlapping medicinal properties.