Food as Medicine: Asian Pear

According to Chinese medicine, August is one of the best times to improve your respiratory health. We nourish our lungs and immune system with herbal soup made with Asian pears and various Chinese herbs. Asian pears have been shown to help with allergies including symptoms such as rhinitis, asthma, and eczema. Asian pears include quercetin and rutin which reduces the severity of immune responses.

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Immune Boosting Asian Pear Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 Asian pears, washed, cored, cut into bite sized pieces

• Optional: 1/4 cup of Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillary bulb)

• Spring water, enough to submerge all ingredients

Directions:

• If using Chuan Bei Mu, wash the herbs and soak in spring water for 30 minutes

• Add pears and bring to boil

• Simmer for 30 minutes covered

• Serve hot

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References:

James-Martin G, Williams G, Stonehouse W, O’Callaghan N, Noakes M. Health and nutritional properties of pears (Pyrus): a literature review. Adelaide, Australia: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization; 2015.

Murray M. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. New York, NY: Atria Books; 2005.

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This website provides general information only. Content does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.