Drink made from pears, beets, and sugarcane: A natural solution for the respiratory system.

Drinks made from pears, radishes, sugarcane, ginger, and lemongrass are gaining popularity due to their ability to support respiratory health during seasonal changes.

'A drink made from pears boiled with radishes, sugarcane, ginger, and lemongrass is widely believed to help prevent respiratory illnesses.' (Source: Vietnamnet)

Recently, a recipe for a cough remedy containing pears, sugarcane, white radish, goji berries, ginger, and lemongrass has been circulating on social media. According to word-of-mouth, drinking this warm drink throughout the day can help prevent respiratory illnesses.

According to Traditional Medicine Practitioner Do Minh Tuan of the Hanoi Traditional Medicine Association, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, pears have the effect of clearing the lungs, moistening dryness, and dissolving phlegm. Pears have a sweet taste, a cold nature, and are associated with the lung meridian (related to the respiratory system). When steamed, pears become warmer and more moist, suitable for conditions of lung yin deficiency, dry throat, and thick, sticky phlegm.

This remedy is primarily for lung yin deficiency. The decoction made from these ingredients has strong properties of promoting qi circulation, dispelling cold, and clearing phlegm, making it suitable for dry, transitional seasons when there is a cough with phlegm, sore throat, itching, or a feeling of obstruction in the throat.

Traditional Chinese medicine does not view the body in isolation as individual organs. The lungs are the organ responsible for qi (vital energy), opening through the nose and regulating respiration. The lungs are closely related to the spleen—the organ that produces qi and blood for lung function—and the kidneys—the organ that holds the fundamental qi, ensuring the lungs' stable operation.

Pears have many benefits for the respiratory system. (Photo: P. Thúy)

In traditional Chinese medicine, when a patient coughs, the practitioner will look for the cause in the spleen, lungs, and stomach to determine the appropriate treatment. Therefore, a person with a dry cough, phlegmatic cough, or wheezing cannot be treated solely in the throat area; the related organs must also be considered.

Uses of the ingredients in this remedy:

- Ginger and lemongrass: Keep you warm and dispel cold.

- Pears, white radishes, goji berries: Soothe the body, clear phlegm, and moisten the lungs.

- Sugarcane: Regulates and helps the medicine absorb easily, reducing stomach irritation.

This is a common approach in Traditional Chinese Medicine: external dispersion - internal nourishment - free flow of Qi - dissolution of phlegm.

This broth recipe, while seemingly simple at first glance, actually harmonizes the three organs—lungs, spleen, and stomach—through a balanced combination of six food and medicinal herbs.

The ingredients for this drink include 1 pear to cleanse the lungs, moisten dryness, and dissolve phlegm; 4 pieces of sugarcane to enhance flavor and promote fluid production; and 1 white radish (about 200g) to clear phlegm and regulate qi. Add a pinch of goji berries to nourish yin and strengthen the lungs and kidneys, along with lemongrass and ginger to dispel cold, promote qi circulation, and relieve external symptoms.

Put all the ingredients into a pot, add enough water to cover them, and simmer until about 2/3 of the original amount of water remains. When drinking, you should consume it within the day, divided into 3-4 portions, and do not leave it overnight.

This remedy can be used in cases such as dry throat, mild phlegm cough, nighttime cough, dry throat, phlegm buildup, itchy and sore throat; those with early signs of a cold or sore throat; children over 4 years old, the elderly, and pregnant women with a cold constitution.

Those who need to be cautious when consuming this beverage:

- People with high fever, yellow phlegm, and thick yellow tongue coating need a heat-clearing herbal remedy.

People with diarrhea or stomach chills should reduce their intake of pears and radishes.

Honey should not be given to children under 1 year old.

These types of drinks help nourish the respiratory system and prevent illness rather than cure it. You can drink them continuously for several days. However, people with persistent coughs, sore throats, excessive phlegm that is difficult to expectorate, or recurrent sore throats when the weather turns cold should see a doctor to find the cause.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thuc-uong-tu-le-cu-cai-va-mia-giai-phap-tu-nhien-cho-he-ho-hap-336953.html