Houttuynia cordata Fish Mint Pig Lung Soup: Traditional Recipe for Respiratory Support

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

“Houttuynia cordata stewed with pig lung” is a traditional medicinal dish widely popular in the Lingnan region, with a history traceable to folk dietary therapy formulas recorded in the Qing dynasty *Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica* (Bencao Gangmu Shiyi). Houttuynia cordata, also known as *Jicai* or *Zhe’ergen*, earns its name from the faint fishy odor released when its leaves are crushed between fingers. It is primarily harvested in the Yangtze River basin and southern provinces, serving both as a wild vegetable and a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb. Pig lung, taken from fresh pig lungs, is neutral in nature and sweet in taste; following the principle of “like treats like,” Chinese medicine holds that it can nourish the lung and moisten dryness. This soup features Houttuynia cordata and pig lung as the main ingredients, complemented by ginger slices and honey dates, simmered over low heat. The resulting broth is milky white, with a distinctive aroma — an initial slight acrid and astringent sensation on the palate, followed by a mellow, sweet aftertaste.

In households in Guangdong, Guangxi, and other regions, during the transition from spring to summer or the autumn dryness-heat, elders often prepare this soup to support respiratory comfort during seasonal changes. Modern nutritional analysis shows that Houttuynia cordata (fish mint) contains active components such as volatile oils, flavonoids, and quercetin, while pig lung is rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B12. Their combination not only leverages the advantages of dietary therapy but also aligns with the TCM principle of “medicine and food sharing the same origin.”

Benefits of Medicinal Diet

Houttuynia cordata (fish mint) and pig lung soup helps maintain lung comfort and respiratory wellness. It is especially appropriate for occasional respiratory discomfort accompanied by throat comfort needs. The decanoyl acetaldehyde (houttuynin) in Houttuynia cordata helps promote a balanced microbial environment. The collagen and elastin in pig lung support respiratory tract lining health and help maintain healthy lung function. Together, these ingredients support normal inflammatory response and help maintain clear airways.

In addition, this medicinal food also supports the body’s natural detoxification processes and fluid balance. For occasional respiratory discomfort, moderate consumption can help support lung comfort. It also provides some support for urinary tract health. For urban residents who smoke long-term or live in hazy environments, regular consumption of this soup can help maintain lung wellness and support the body’s natural cleansing processes.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s theory of nature, flavor, and meridian entry, *Houttuynia cordata* (fish mint) has a pungent and bitter flavor, a slightly cold nature, and specifically enters the Lung Meridian (LU). *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica) records that it can “disperse heat toxin and carbuncle swelling,” while *Diannan Bencao* (Southern Yunnan Materia Medica) states it “was traditionally used to support lung health.” The pungent flavor enables dispersion, allowing lung heat to be resolved from the exterior; the bitter and cold nature helps maintain lung comfort. Pig lung has a sweet flavor and neutral nature, enters the Lung Meridian, and supports lung function. *Qianjin Yaofang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) records that “pig lung supports respiratory comfort.” When combined, *Houttuynia cordata* primarily clears while pig lung primarily supports—clearing and supporting working together, promoting balance.

In modern clinical Chinese medicine, this medicinal food is often used as a supportive aid for respiratory discomfort associated with seasonal changes. If an individual presents with accompanying signs such as occasional dry mouth, the addition of Houttuynia cordata (fish mint) can help maintain lung comfort; meanwhile, the nourishing effect of pig lung helps support overall vitality. Furthermore, Zingiber officinale (ginger) supports digestive comfort, while Ziziphus jujuba (honey jujube) harmonizes the ingredients, together supporting stomach and digestive wellness. This ensures that the formula is suitable for most individuals seeking a balanced approach.

Who May Benefit

Typical individuals who may benefit include: those with occasional respiratory discomfort, presenting with occasional throat dryness or thick phlegm; those who smoke or are exposed to dust or air pollution and seek support for lung wellness; as well as those in the recovery stage of occasional respiratory challenges or with dry cough and scant sputum.

Furthermore, individuals with a Dampness-Heat internal accumulation constitution who are prone to occasional skin blemishes may benefit from consuming this soup, as Houttuynia cordata (yu xing cao) helps support the body’s natural balance. For children with occasional throat discomfort due to internal Heat, a small amount taken under the guidance of a physician (with reduced dosage and the removal of jujube/dates) may also provide support. It should be noted that this soup is primarily indicated for supporting respiratory comfort, rather than for other conditions.

Considerations

It should be used with caution in cases of digestive sensitivity. Houttuynia cordata (heartleaf houttuynia) is cold in nature; if a person typically has cold hands and feet, loose stools, poor appetite, and a pale, enlarged tongue with tooth marks, consumption may cause digestive discomfort. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also exercise caution, as traditional use advises avoidance during the first trimester.

Individuals with allergic tendencies should test a small amount first. A small number of people are sensitive to the volatile oils in Houttuyniae Herba (heartleaf houttuynia), and after consumption may experience skin irritation or breathing difficulty. People currently taking anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin) should also avoid it, as the quercetin contained in Houttuyniae Herba may interact with such medications. In addition, those presenting with early symptoms of a cold that include chills, fever without sweat, and clear, thin phlegm should not use this decoction by mistake, as it may not be suitable.

Ingredient formula ratios

Main ingredients: 100 g fresh Houttuynia cordata (heartleaf houttuynia) or 30 g dried, 1 pig lung (approx. 300–500 g). Supplementary ingredients: 2–3 honey dates (approx. 30 g), 3 slices fresh Zingiber officinale (ginger, approx. 10 g). Seasonings: appropriate amount of salt, a small amount of yellow wine to remove fishy odor. If dried Houttuynia cordata is used, soak it in warm water for 20 minutes to soften beforehand.

When selecting pig lung, choose those with a light pink color, smooth surface, and no signs of bruising or hard lumps. Fresh Houttuynia cordata (fish mint) should have intact stems and leaves, thick roots, and a strong aroma. For honeyed jujubes (蜜枣), opt for varieties from Xuanhe or Cangzhou with high sweetness, as they help harmonize the cooling nature of the ingredients and enhance flavor. This recipe serves 2–3 people; it is recommended to consume no more than twice per week, with each serving being 200–300 ml.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the pig lung

Position the pig lung (Sus scrofa domesticus, used in TCM to support Lung Qi) under a running faucet, repeatedly flushing water in through the trachea so that blood and foam exit from the airway, until the lung tissue becomes white and tender. Then remove the trachea and any residual lymph nodes, and cut the lung lobes into 2–3 cm chunks. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add ginger slices (Zingiber officinale rhizome) and yellow rice wine (Huangjiu), then blanch the pig lung for 3 minutes. Remove and rinse off any foam with cold water.

Step 2: Prepare Houttuynia cordata (fish mint)

Fresh Houttuynia cordata (fish mint): remove old roots and withered leaves, rinse with clean water to wash off soil and sediment, then cut into 5 cm sections. For the dried product, pre-soak and then drain well. Note that the rhizome part of Houttuynia cordata has stronger beneficial properties and should not be discarded.

Step 3: Simmering

Place the prepared pig lung, houttuynia (Houttuynia cordata), honeyed jujubes, and fresh ginger into a clay pot or ceramic soup pot. Add enough clean water (approximately 2 liters) so that the water level is about 3 cm above the ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off any foam that rises to the surface, then reduce to low heat and simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the pig lung is tender and the soup turns milky white. About 10 minutes before turning off the heat, season with salt to taste, stir well, and serve.

Step 4: Strain the decoction

Use a fine mesh sieve to strain the residue from the soup, retaining only the clear broth. Houttuynia cordata (heartleaf houttuynia) can be eaten along with the soup, but if you dislike the texture, you can discard the solids directly. After ladling into a bowl, drink it while hot; it will have a slightly stronger fishy odor when cold.

Tips for Consumption

1. Optimal drinking time: It is recommended to consume warm between 9–11 AM (Spleen Meridian SP time) or 3–5 PM (Bladder Meridian BL time), when yang qi is abundant and nutrient absorption is most effective. Avoid drinking too much in the evening to prevent frequent nighttime urination from disturbing sleep.

2. Seasoning Taboos: Avoid adding pungent and hot seasonings such as chili (Capsicum annuum), garlic (Allium sativum), and Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum bungeanum), as these will counteract the soothing nature of Houttuynia cordata (鱼腥草). A small amount of Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, tangerine peel, 5 g) may be added to support respiratory comfort, or half a Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii, monk fruit) to sweeten and moisten the throat.

3. Storage and Shelf Life: If the prepared soup cannot be consumed in one sitting, remove the *Houttuynia cordata* (fish mint) before refrigerating the broth. Do not store it together with the residue for more than 6 hours. When reheating for consumption, bring it to a full boil again, and limit reheating to only once. Prolonged storage may lead to bacterial growth and souring of the soup.

4. Adjustments for Special Populations: For children, reduce the dosage (pig lung halved) and add 3 dried figs (Ficus carica) to enhance sweetness; for those monitoring sugar intake, omit honey dates (Ziziphus jujuba) and add 10g of wax gourd peel (Benincasa hispida peel) to support fluid balance.