The temperature in spring fluctuates, with significant differences between morning and evening. Many people inadvertently start to cough, experience dry and itchy throats, and produce excess phlegm, especially among the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. If not careful, this can lead to a chronic cough that is difficult to heal. Instead of relying solely on cough medicine, there is a gentler and more effective method—dietary therapy. This is the excellent ingredient known as Stone Olive, which can be considered a “natural cough remedy” in spring.
Stone Olive (Shí gǎn lǎn), also known as “Stone Fern” or “Stone Cypress,” is a common wild herb, particularly famous in the Lingnan region. Despite its unassuming appearance, it is a genuine remedy for “clearing the lungs and moistening the throat.”
Stone Olive is rich in active components such as saponins, flavonoids, vitamin C, and amino acids, which have the following significant effects: Relieve Cough and Clear Phlegm: Stone Olive has a notable effect in relieving cough and clearing phlegm, providing good relief for chronic cough, dry and itchy throat, and discomfort in the throat.
Stone Olive Chicken Soup
Ingredients: Stone Olive, chicken, red dates, goji berries, ginger slices, cooking wine, and salt.
Cooking Steps:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Clean the Stone Olive and cut it into small pieces; wash the chicken and cut it into chunks, blanching it to remove blood foam before setting it aside.
2. Sauté the chicken: In a hot pan with cool oil, add ginger slices to sauté until fragrant, then add the chicken, stir-frying for 2 minutes with cooking wine until the chicken slightly changes color.
3. Simmer the chicken soup: Add enough water, then add Stone Olive and red dates, bringing it to a boil before reducing to a simmer for 40 minutes.
4. Add goji berries: Add goji berries 5 minutes before finishing, and finally season with an appropriate amount of salt.
5. Enjoy: The soup should be clear and bright, with tender chicken and the refreshing aroma of Stone Olive. A sip will immediately soothe the throat, making it especially suitable for those prone to heat and dry cough in spring.
Nutritional Tips:
1. Moderate use of Stone Olive: Stone Olive has a mild medicinal property, but it should not be consumed in excess at one time; about 50 grams per person is advisable.
2. Suitable for a wide range of people: Especially suitable for those with weak constitutions, excessive phlegm, and dry, itchy throats; however, pregnant women and children should reduce the amount consumed.
3. Dietary pairing: Stone Olive pairs well with chicken, pork ribs, and other meats, enhancing nutrition while effectively alleviating its slightly herbal taste, improving the overall flavor.
Spring is a “high season for coughs.” Instead of waiting until your throat hurts or your cough worsens to take medicine, it is better to start dietary therapy early. Stone Olive Chicken Soup is not only delicious and nutritious but also a natural “cough remedy” that moistens the throat, alleviates cough, and detoxifies. A pot of soup can help the whole family stay healthy through spring.