Monk Fruit Pig Lung Soup: Recipe, Benefits & TCM Lung Care

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii) stewed pig lung is a classic medicinal food widely popular in the Lingnan region. Combining the sweet, moistening nature of Luo Han Guo with the deficiency-tonifying and dryness-moistening properties of pig lung, it serves as both a flavorful soup and an effective remedy for regulating the lungs. This medicinal food has a long history, deeply rooted in Cantonese soup culture, and is often recommended by traditional healers as a daily health-promoting diet during the dry autumn and winter seasons or after hazy weather.

Luohanguo (monk fruit, *Siraitia grosvenorii*) is honored as the “immortal fruit”. It enters the Lung (LU) and Spleen (SP) meridians, and excels at clearing heat, moistening the Lung, and lubricating the Intestines to promote bowel movements. Pig lung, according to the TCM principle of “like treats like” (organotherapy), can tonify Lung deficiency and relieve coughing. When simmered together, the soup is clear and transparent, with a naturally sweet yet non-greasy taste, suitable for all ages. This soup is not only a home-style delicacy on the dining table but also embodies the traditional Chinese health wisdom of “food and medicine sharing the same origin” and “imbuing medicine in food.”

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

The main effect of Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii / Monk Fruit) stewed with pig lung is to clear the lung and moisten dryness, as well as stop cough and transform phlegm. Luo Han Guo is rich in mogrosides, which are 300 times sweeter than sucrose but do not raise blood sugar, and also have the functions of clearing heat, moistening the lung, benefiting the throat, and opening the voice. Pig lung can supplement lung qi and moisten lung dryness. The combination of the two can effectively relieve symptoms such as dry cough with scant sputum, sore throat, and hoarseness caused by lung heat or lung dryness.

Additionally, this medicated diet also serves as an adjunct in clearing the intestines and detoxifying, as well as enhancing immunity. The dietary fiber in *Siraitia grosvenorii* (monk fruit) promotes intestinal peristalsis and helps expel accumulated heat from the body; pig lung is rich in protein and various trace elements, which aids in repairing the respiratory mucosa and strengthening the body’s resistance to disease. For individuals who are long-term smokers, work in dusty environments, or frequently use their voice, regular consumption of this soup can positively contribute to purifying the lungs and nourishing the throat.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Analysis of TCM Principles

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii, Monk Fruit) is sweet in flavor and cool in nature, entering the Lung (LU) and Large Intestine (LI) meridians. It excels at “clearing heat, moistening the Lung, and loosening the bowels to relieve constipation,” and is primarily used to treat Lung-heat dry cough, sore throat with hoarseness, and intestinal dryness with constipation. Its sweet and cool nature allows it to both purge stagnant heat from the Lung and nourish Lung yin, enabling heat to be eliminated while body fluids are restored, making it an essential herb for Lung-heat cough. Pig lung is sweet in flavor and neutral in nature, entering the Lung meridian, with the function of “tonifying the Lung, stopping cough, and arresting bleeding.” It is suitable for Lung deficiency cough, hemoptysis, and chronic disease with debility. Following the principle of “like treats like” (organ therapy), it directly supplements and benefits the Lung organ.

When used in combination, one clears while the other tonifies: *Siraitia grosvenorii* (monk fruit) clears Lung Heat and resolves Phlegm-Turbidity, while pig lung tonifies Lung Qi and moistens Lung Yin. This clears heat without damaging the upright qi, and tonifies deficiency without promoting pathogenicity. The decoction as a whole embodies the compatibility principle of “simultaneous clearing and tonifying,” making it especially suitable for convalescent care when Lung Heat has already subsided but residual pathogens remain, accompanied by Lung Qi and Yin Deficiency. For conditions such as the later stage of externally contracted Wind-Heat, Dryness pathogen invading the Lung, or Fluid-Depletion of the Lung due to excessive smoking and drinking, this soup provides the dual effects of clearing and moistening, addressing both the root and branch simultaneously.

Indications

Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii, monk fruit) stewed with pig lung is especially suitable for individuals with lung heat cough, dry cough with scant sputum, or yellow, sticky sputum. When symptoms of lung heat damaging body fluids such as dry and painful throat, hoarse voice, and thirst with desire to drink are present, consuming this soup can clear heat, moisten the throat, thin the phlegm, and help alleviate coughing. Long-term smokers, those with chronic pharyngitis, and individuals frequently working in dusty or oily smoke environments may benefit from drinking this soup once or twice per week to help clear accumulated heat and residual smoke and dust from the lungs.

In addition, sub-healthy individuals experiencing dry mouth, tongue, and skin due to autumn dryness or excessive indoor heating, as well as professionals who rely heavily on their voices—such as teachers, livestreamers, and singers—can benefit from this soup to nourish lung yin and moisten the throat. For elderly people whose lung qi gradually declines, making them prone to chronic cough, moderate consumption of Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii) stewed with pig lung can help strengthen the body’s resistance, consolidate the constitution, and reduce the frequency of cough episodes, provided there is no externally contracted fever.

Contraindicated Populations

Those with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold and loose stools should consume Luo Han Guo (Momordica grosvenori) stewed with pig lung with caution. Luo Han Guo is cool in nature, and although pig lung is neutral, the overall soup tends to be clearing and moistening. In individuals with insufficient Spleen and Stomach Yang Qi and weak transportation and transformation functions, consumption may aggravate symptoms such as diarrhea and cold abdominal pain, and may even damage Spleen Yang. People with a cold constitution, aversion to cold, and cold extremities should also avoid long-term or excessive intake.

This soup is contraindicated in the initial stage of wind-cold external contraction cough (with symptoms of thin white phlegm, nasal congestion with clear watery discharge, aversion to cold without sweating), as the cool and moistening nature of Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii, monk fruit) may keep the pathogen locked inside, preventing the cold pathogen from dispersing and potentially aggravating the condition. For patients with poorly controlled diabetes, although Luo Han Guo has extremely low sugar content, the pork lung soup may produce some fats and purines during the simmering process. It is recommended to consume it with discretion under a physician’s guidance and to pay attention to total caloric intake.

Ingredient formula proportions

The standard recipe for making Siraitia grosvenorii (Monk Fruit) and Pig Lung Soup is as follows: 500 g fresh pig lung, 1/2 to 1 whole Siraitia grosvenorii (approximately 10–15 g), 10 g South Apricot Kernel (Prunus armeniaca var. ansu), 5 g North Apricot Kernel (Prunus armeniaca L. var. ansu Maxim. / Prunus sibirica L.), 3 g Tangerine Peel (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae), 5 slices fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale), and 2 honey dates (Ziziphus jujuba). This formula yields 3–4 servings. The soup is sweet, moistening, and smooth in flavor, with a balanced and mild medicinal nature.

If cough with copious phlegm is pronounced, you may appropriately increase Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii, Monk fruit) to one whole fruit (approx. 20g), and add Bai He (Lilium brownii, Lily bulb) 15g to enhance lung-moistening action. If sore throat is severe, combine with 2 pieces of Pang Da Hai (Sterculia lychnophora, Boat-fried Sterculia seed) and decoct together. Special caution: both southern and northern apricot kernels (Prunus armeniaca, Apricot seed) are slightly toxic; dosage must be strictly controlled and the decoction time must be sufficient to destroy the toxins. All herbs can be obtained from reputable Chinese pharmacies; it is recommended to select dry, mold-free, high-quality ingredients.

Preparation method

Preparation

Processing the pig lung is the key to the success of this medicinal dish. Place the pig lung’s trachea over a faucet, repeatedly fill it with water and squeeze until the lung turns white and no blood seeps out, thoroughly removing blood impurities and foam. Then cut it into pieces about 5 cm long and 3 cm wide, blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes, remove and rinse under clean water, and drain. Wash the Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii) and crack it open to remove the pulp (the shell can also be added to the soup). Soak the Chen Pi (tangerine peel) in warm water in advance until soft, and scrape off the white pith.

Cooking steps

Take an earthenware or ceramic soup pot and add approximately 2500 ml of water. Place the prepared pig lung pieces, Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii, including shell and pulp), sweet apricot kernels (Prunus armeniaca), bitter apricot kernels (Prunus armeniaca var. ansu), tangerine peel (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), fresh ginger slices, and honey dates (Ziziphus jujuba) into the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Reduce the heat to low and gently simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the pig lung is tender, the broth turns thick and milky white, and the aroma is rich. Before turning off the heat, season with a small amount of salt (note: Luo Han Guo is naturally sweet, so use only a little salt). Stir well, then ladle out and serve.

Drinking Tips

1. Siraitia grosvenorii (monk fruit) and Pig Lung Soup is recommended to be taken warm one hour after meals, 200 to 250 ml per serving, 2 to 3 times per week. The pig lung in the soup may be consumed with the meal, but not in excess, as pig lung is relatively high in cholesterol; individuals with hyperlipidemia should reduce their intake accordingly.

2. This soup is cool in nature and should not be consumed on the same day with cold-natured foods such as mung bean, bitter gourd, or crab, to avoid excessive coldness damaging the Spleen and Stomach. Adding 3 to 5 slices of Astragalus (Huangqi, *Astragalus membranaceus*) or a few Red Dates (Hongzao, *Ziziphus jujuba* ) to the soup can balance its cool nature and enhance its Qi-supplementing effect, making it suitable for those with pronounced Qi Deficiency.

3. The remaining soup should be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours. When reheating, bring it to a full boil, but avoid repeated heating multiple times to prevent loss of active medicinal constituents. If conditions worsen, such as increased coughing or persistent fever, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention. This soup should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical treatment.