Pig Lung Soup with Bitter and Sweet Apricot Kernels Recipe & Benefits

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

“Stewed Pig Lung with South and North Apricot Kernels” is a time-honored Cantonese medicinal dish. Using pig lung as the main ingredient, it is paired with south apricot kernels (sweet almond, *Prunus armeniaca* var. *dulcis*) and north apricot kernels (bitter apricot kernel, *Prunus armeniaca* var. *amara*), slow-cooked over gentle heat. This soup is particularly popular in the Lingnan region and is often served as a daily household tonic. The term “South and North Apricot Kernels” in its name does not refer to their geographic origin but rather distinguishes them by their taste and function: north apricot kernels are bitter, leaning toward descending qi; south apricot kernels are sweet, leaning toward moistening dryness. Together, they complement each other.

This medicinal diet combines the tonifying deficiency effects of pig lung with the phlegm-transforming properties of apricot kernel (Prunus armeniaca), offering a rich, smooth flavor with a hint of the kernel’s distinctive aroma. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the lung is a delicate organ that prefers moisture and dislikes dryness. This soup gently regulates issues such as lung dryness and lung heat, making it a classic choice for preventing dryness in spring and moistening the lung in autumn.

Efficacy of Medicated Diet

This medicinal cuisine primarily functions to moisten the lungs and stop cough, transform phlegm and calm panting. Sweet apricot kernel is rich in oils, which can lubricate the intestines and enhance moistening effects; bitter apricot kernel excels at descending qi and stopping cough. Their synergistic action can relieve discomforts such as dry cough with scanty sputum, dry throat and throat itching caused by lung dryness or lung heat. Pig lung itself is neutral in nature, capable of supplementing lung deficiency and stopping cough. When combined with apricot kernels, it provides good auxiliary regulation and recovery for patients with chronic bronchitis and lingering cough in the later stage of the common cold.

Moreover, this soup can nourish yin and moisten the skin, as well as unblock the bowels. Since phlegm-heat obstructing the lung often leads to dry skin and constipation, moistening the lung and descending qi can indirectly improve these symptoms. For individuals who frequently stay up late, smoke, or live in dry environments, moderate consumption can help maintain respiratory mucosal health and reduce throat discomfort.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Examining herb compatibility from the perspective of nature, flavor, and channel tropism.

South Apricot Kernel (Prunus armeniaca L., sweet apricot kernel) is neutral in nature and sweet in flavor, and enters the Lung (LU) and Large Intestine (LI) meridians; North Apricot Kernel (Prunus armeniaca var. ansu Maxim., bitter apricot kernel) is warm in nature and bitter in flavor, slightly toxic, and also enters the Lung (LU) and Large Intestine (LI) meridians. The two, one sweet and one bitter, one moistening and one descending, together function to diffuse the Lung and descend qi, moisten the Intestines and unblock the bowels. Pork lung is neutral in nature, enters the Lung meridian (LU), and through the principle of “like supplements like,” directly supplements Lung qi. The combination of these three ingredients directs the entire formula toward nourishing yin and moistening dryness, descending rebellious qi and stopping cough.

Regulating the pathomechanism

Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that “dryness predominates, leading to dryness,” and when Lung dryness occurs, body fluids cannot be distributed, resulting in dry cough with scant phlegm and dry nose and throat. The bitterness of Bei Xing (bitter apricot kernel) can descend Lung Qi, the sweetness of Nan Xing (sweet apricot kernel) can moisten Lung dryness, and the nourishing quality of pig lung can supplement and support the Lung body. For cough due to Yin deficiency with effulgent fire or flaming up of deficient fire, this soup can clear deficient fire without damaging the proper; for the late stage of externally-contracted wind-heat with lingering residual pathogens, it can also help clear the remnants and restore the Lung’s clearing and descending function.

Indications

Suitable for those with lung dryness cough, dry cough without phlegm, or scanty sticky phlegm, especially during autumn and winter when dry air causes dry and itchy throat and hoarseness. For individuals who are long-term smokers, work in dusty environments, or frequently overuse their voice (such as teachers and singers), regular consumption can nourish lung yin and relieve occupational dry cough.

For patients with chronic bronchitis or bronchial asthma in remission, if presenting with dry cough with scant sputum, shortness of breath, and fatigue, this soup can also be used as an auxiliary dietary therapy. In addition, individuals with a yin deficiency constitution (manifesting as hot palms and soles, dry mouth and throat) and those with dry, hard stools may benefit from moderate consumption, as it helps moisten the intestines to relieve constipation and improve the state of insufficient body fluids.

Contraindicated populations

Contraindicated in wind-cold cough. If the cough is accompanied by aversion to cold, clear watery nasal discharge, and thin white sputum, it belongs to external contraction of wind-cold. In this case, consuming this soup may aggravate the condensation of cold pathogen due to its yin-nourishing property, leading to prolonged cough. Those with spleen-stomach deficiency cold and loose stools should also avoid excessive consumption, as the oils in Sweet Apricot Seed (Armeniaca vulgaris) and pig lung may worsen diarrhea.

Pregnant women and children should use with caution. North Apricot Kernel (Prunus armeniaca, bitter apricot seed) contains trace amounts of amygdalin; excessive consumption may cause adverse reactions. It is recommended that pregnant women avoid it. For children, the dosage of North Apricot Kernel should be halved and used only under the guidance of a physician. Additionally, it is contraindicated in those allergic to apricot kernel or pork lung. During febrile episodes, if body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, administration should be temporarily suspended to avoid interfering with the assessment of the condition.

Ingredient Formula Proportion

Pig Lung: 500 g (fresh pig lung, including trachea and lung lobes) Sweet Apricot Kernel (Semen Armeniacae Dulce, Nán Xìng): 30 g Bitter Apricot Kernel (Semen Armeniacae Amarum, Běi Xìng): 10 g Fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinale, Shēng Jiāng): 15 g (sliced) Honeyed Jujube (Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae Honeyed, Mì Zǎo): 2 pieces (about 20 g, to add sweetness and moistness) Salt (Shí Yán): appropriate amount for seasoning (about 3 g)

The above dosage is for 2–3 servings. For single-person consumption, reduce the amount proportionally by half. The dosage of Prunus armeniaca (bitter apricot kernel) must not exceed the recommended limit. For adults, a single intake should not exceed 10 grams, and for children, reduce to around 5 grams.

Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare the pig lung. Hold the trachea of the pig lung under a running faucet and repeatedly rinse it with water until the lung turns white and no blood water flows out. Then blanch it in boiling water for 2 minutes, remove, and cut into thick slices. This step removes fishy odor and impurities, and ensures the soup remains clear.

Step 2: Prepare the apricot kernels. Mix sweet apricot kernels (Nánxìng) and bitter apricot kernels (Běixìng), soak in clean water for 30 minutes, then remove the skin. After peeling, the bitterness of the kernels is slightly reduced and the taste is improved. Slice the honey dates (Mìzǎo) and ginger (Shēngjiāng) and set aside.

Step 3: Stewing. Place the pig lung, apricot kernels (Semen Armeniacae Amarum), honey dates (Fructus Jujubae cum Melle), and fresh ginger (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) into a clay pot. Add 2000 ml (approximately 8 cups) of clear water. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off any foam, then reduce to low heat and simmer gently for 1.5 hours. Cook until the pig lung becomes tender and the soup turns milky white.

Step 4: Seasoning. Add an appropriate amount of salt just before removing from heat and stir well. Note that salt should not be added too early; otherwise, it may affect protein extraction and the savory flavor of the soup. Strain out the ginger slices and honey date residues, and drink while hot.

Drinking Tips

It is recommended to drink during 9–11am (when the Spleen Meridian [SP] is in command) or 3–5pm (when the Bladder Meridian [BL] is in command), as the body’s absorption capacity is stronger at these times, allowing the medicinal effect to be more effectively exerted. Avoid drinking right before bedtime at night, as it may affect sleep due to the diuretic effect.

2. Drink only once or twice per week; no need for excessive consumption. This soup is classified as a warm-moistening, tonifying formula. Taking it consecutively for more than five days may cause abdominal distension or increased phlegm. If the cough has completely resolved, discontinue intake and switch to a light diet.

3. Individuals with an allergic constitution should first try a small amount when consuming for the first time. If allergic symptoms such as rash, numbness of the lips, or chest tightness occur, discontinue use immediately and consult a physician. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours. Reheat to a full boil before drinking again.