In daily life, which common vegetables or fruits help protect modern humans' vulnerable lung health? Which ones are suitable for steeping in water for daily consumption without side effects? The foods listed below are all high-quality, healthy options that can protect the lungs and inhibit the accumulation of harmful phlegm in the body.Boil it in water; eating the radish with sugar and ginger shreds treats cold coughs; pairing it with chrysanthemum and honeysuckle treats hot coughs; combining it with white fungus and lily bulbs treats dry coughs; and mixing it with hawthorn and malt treats coughs caused by indigestion. Personally, I consider white radish the safest dietary remedy. It can be used at any time except when taking tonics for coughs due to physical weakness.
2. Pears
Moisturize the lungs and eliminate phlegm, but their cold nature can harm the spleen. Use with caution for wind-cold or deficiency conditions.
3. Lily Bulbs, Lotus Seeds, and Silver Ear Mushrooms
These three white foods belong to the Metal element, moisturizing the lungs while promoting fluid production and strengthening the spleen. They are excellent for treating dry coughs and fluid-deficiency coughs.
4. Job's tears
Though primarily classified as a spleen-strengthening food, it also addresses damp-heat accumulation causing coughs by fortifying the spleen and expelling dampness, making it useful for cough treatment.
5. Goji berries
Nourish the liver and kidneys, enrich essence to improve vision, nourish blood, and boost immunity. Suitable for coughs due to physical weakness, dry-heat coughs from kidney deficiency, and yang-deficient cold coughs.
6. Black Plum
Nourishes yin and subdues yang, treating dry coughs from fluid depletion or yin deficiency. Also effective for coughs from food stagnation, especially nighttime coughs caused by parasites.Distinguish between Southern and Northern Apricot Kernels: Southern kernels are sweet with minimal medicinal effect, suitable for general moisturizing. Northern kernels are bitter and medicinal but toxic; use sparingly.
8. Luo Han Guo (Monk Fruit) Clears lung heat and stops coughing, suitable for coughs due to lung heat or wind-heat. Use 1 Monk Fruit and 15g dried persimmon, decocted in water for consumption.
9. Sterculia lychnophora
Clears heat, moistens the lungs, and relieves cough. For external pathogens: Steep five Sterculia seeds and 3 grams of licorice root in tea. Add a small amount of rock sugar for the elderly or children.
Don't underestimate simple everyday foods like radishes and pears listed above. Though unassuming, they offer significant health benefits. While delicacies may satisfy our palates, high-temperature cooking methods like frying and boiling often cause severe nutrient loss and damage.