Food as Medicine: Asian Pear & Ginger Soup
Last Updated: September 2026 | Originally Published: February 2024
We refreshed this seasonal favorite with streamlined, minimal-prep instructions so it’s fast and effortless to make when you are under the weather.
Both Asian pears and fresh ginger have been cherished for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for their synergistic healing properties. By combining seasonal food therapy with modern nutritional science, this classic remedy offers deep hydration, immune support, and respiratory care during cold, dry seasons.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, food is medicine, and thermal temperature plays a crucial role in healing:
Asian Pear (Sheng Li): Possesses a cool, sweet, and moistening nature. It specifically targets the Lung and Stomach channels, making it an exceptional remedy to clear excess heat, generate body fluids, and relieve seasonal dryness—such as dry coughs, scratchy throats, and parched skin. In TCM, the peel (Li Pi) is particularly valued for its potent fluid-generating and heat-clearing abilities.
Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang): Possesses a warm, acrid nature that enters the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach channels. It warms the digestive center, dispels cold, and alleviates nausea and respiratory congestion.
Beyond traditional wisdom, recent pharmacological research highlights the bioactive compounds behind this combination:
Pear Bioactives: Asian pears (Pyrus pyrifolia) are rich in polyphenols, arbutin, chlorogenic acid, and dietary fiber. Studies demonstrate that these antioxidants support respiratory mucosal barrier function and neutralize oxidative stress.
Gingerols & Shogaols: Ginger contains potent bioactive compounds that inhibit pro-inflammatory signaling pathways and suppress inflammatory cytokines. Modern trials confirm its role in modulating immune response, easing respiratory inflammation, and supporting digestive motility.
Please see below for our quick and easy Asian Pear & Ginger Tea (which can also be made into a soothing soup!). It is sure to bring you comfort, and healing.
Asian Pear & Ginger Tea
Ingredients:
1 Asian pear, washed, cored, and chopped
3 slices of organic fresh ginger, peeled
4 Cups of filtered water
Directions:
Prepare all ingredients in a pot large enough to hold all ingredients.
Bring the pot to a boil and then cover.
Simmer for 30 minutes or until the pear is tender.
Optional:
If you find the ginger too spicy, you may remove it after 30 minutes.
You may emulsify or blend the entire mixture into a silky soup consistency.
Consume while warm, once a day.
References:
Aggarwal, B. S., & Harikumar, S. B. (2009). Potential therapeutic effects of ginger for allergic diseases. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(1), 183-191.
Grzenda, K., Parr, A. J., & Wardle, J. (2010). Ginger: An herbal medicinal product for nausea and vomiting? Complementary therapies in medicine, 18(4), 199-212.
Kim, M. J., Kim, S. R., Han, J. H., & Lee, K. W. (2010). Antioxidant activity and phenolic acid composition of Korean pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) cultivars. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 58(13), 7705-7711.
Lee, J., & Kang, I. J. (2012). Antioxidant properties of Korean pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) cultivars. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 60(32), 8057-8065.
Li, J., Chen, X., & Li, S. (2019). Clinical aspects and health benefits of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in both traditional Chinese medicine and modern industry. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 242, 111917.
This website provides general information only. Content does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.