TCM Tips: Distinguishing Almond Types for Lung-Nourishing Soups This Autumn
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 7 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
As autumn arrives in Hong Kong, many residents seek ways to moisturize their lungs and maintain health during the seasonal transition. A featured article by Sing Tao provides guidance from registered Chinese medicine practitioner Leung Yan-qian (Cinci EC) on distinguishing different types of almonds commonly used in traditional Chinese soups and remedies. The article offers three detailed soup recipes designed to support lung health, improve bowel movements, and nourish the blood and brain.
Key Points
- Chinese medicine distinguishes three almond varieties: Southern almonds (南杏) and Northern almonds (北杏) used in traditional cooking, while nut almonds in their shells are common in Western desserts
- The first recipe features a snow pear and snow fungus soup containing 2 snow pears, 1 old cucumber, 1 piece of snow fungus, 30g soybeans, 15g almonds, 1 corner of dried tangerine peel, and 3 figs, cooked in 2000ml water for approximately 1 hour
- The second recipe is an almond milk tea using 150g of mixed almonds (with Southern to Northern ratio of 9:1), 800ml water, 2 tablespoons glutinous rice, appropriate rock sugar, and 2 egg whites, blended and strained before cooking
- The third recipe targets those with weak lung qi, combining 80g Southern almonds, 20g Northern almonds, 20g glutinous rice, 1000ml water, 2 egg whites, and rock sugar, offering beautifying and lung-moisturizing benefits
- Health precautions note that those with unresolved colds, frequent diarrhea, or phlegm-damp constitution should limit consumption of these almond-based preparations
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong families navigating the humid autumn weather and seasonal flu concerns, these accessible soup recipes provide practical traditional remedies that can be prepared at home with common ingredients. The guidance from a registered practitioner ensures safety considerations are clearly communicated, helping readers make informed choices about incorporating traditional Chinese medicine approaches into their seasonal health routines .
For Hong Kong families navigating the humid autumn weather and seasonal flu concerns, these accessible soup recipes provide practical traditional remedies that can be prepared at home with common ingredients. The guidance from a registered practitioner ensures safety considerations are clearly communicated, helping readers make informed choices about incorporating traditional Chinese medicine approaches into their seasonal health routines .