Pear & Honey Cooler
This soothing beverage falls somewhere between a fruit tea and a cough syrup. I tried the original recipe in 养生茶饮 (Yangsheng Tea Drinks) by Xiong Zhihui, and it was SO sweet. I've toned it down a notch or two here, but you still wouldn't want to drink this every day.
However, it could be the perfect remedy for autumn coughs and colds. It can nourish yin and moisten dryness, reduce the symptoms of empty heat due to yin deficiency, and clear Lung-heat characterised by a sore throat and dry/tickly cough. Its key ingredients are:
Pear: Cool in nature and sweet/sour in flavour, pears nourish yin and moisten the Lung.
Honey: Neutral and sweet, honey is deeply nourishing for both yin and qi.
Recipe (serves 1)
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
2 ripe pears
300ml water
2-3 tablespoons honey
Method
Wash and peel the pears, and cut in half lengthways to remove the cores.
Place the pears in a large pan and pound to pieces using a pestle or rolling pin.
Cover the pears with water and gently simmer with the pan lid on for 10 minutes.
Allow to cool slightly, then stir in the honey, mixing well.
Pour into a cup and drink as soon as the liquid is cool.
For more healthy eating tips according to traditional Chinese medicine, visit the Dietary Therapy section of the website, or book a consultation for personalised advice.