Nourish Your Lungs, Glow from Within: Ancient Chinese Pear, Almond & White Fungus Soup for Health & Beauty 

In the annals of Chinese history, nourishing soups like the pear, almond, and white fungus dessert have long been cherished not only for their healing properties but also for their ability to enhance beauty and vitality. Legend has it that Empress Dowager Cixi, one of China’s most powerful and iconic figures, was an avid advocate of such soups. Known for her meticulous self-care regimen, Cixi reportedly consumed white fungus (snow fungus) soup daily to maintain her radiant complexion and preserve her youth. Her court physicians believed that white fungus, combined with pears and almonds, could moisturize the lungs, clear heat, and promote a luminous, dewy complexion. This belief was root in TCM principles, which holds that lung health is intrinsically linked to skin vitality, as the lungs govern the body’s “qi” (vital energy) and moisture balance. 

For centuries, Chinese women of nobility and influence have turned to these soups to combat the effects of dry climates, seasonal changes, and the stresses of court life. The combination of pears, almonds, and white fungus was thought to not only soothe dry coughs and strengthen the lungs but also to nourish the skin from within, creating a natural glow that no cosmetic could replicate. Modern science has begun to validate these ancient claims, with studies showing that white fungus is rich in polysaccharides and antioxidants, which can improve skin hydration and elasticity (source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2019)* please use APA citation / reference style to add this source and backlink.  

I first discovered the magic of this soup when I was in my undergraduate at University of Chicago. It was snowing like crazy I was having a recurring cough from the dryness of the heat as well as the intense temperature change between the indoors and the outdoors. Usually, after coughing for a few days, I could start to feel weakened lungs and my throat perpetually parched. A reliable sign that your lungs are weak is when you start to feel some mild chest past when you inhale. No amount of water or cough syrup seemed to help, and my skin had taken on a dull, lackluster tone—a side effect of the constant dehydration. Desperate for relief, I went to Chinatown to pick up a few things to make one of the most popular and yummy dessert soup.  

After simmering a pot of pears, almonds, and white fungus, I was amazed at how quickly it soothed my throat and eased my cough. But the real surprise came weeks later, when friends began complimenting my skin. It had taken on a soft, hydrated glow that I hadn’t seen in years. Intrigued, I dug deeper and found that the soup’s ingredients are not only lung-nourishing but also packed with nutrients that promote collagen production and skin elasticity. The white fungus is a powerhouse of hydration, often referred to as the “poor man’s bird’s nest” for its ability to rival the beauty-enhancing effects of the prized delicacy. 

This recipe is a perfect example of how beauty and health are interrelated. By addressing the root cause of my lung weakness, I inadvertently unlocked a natural remedy for my skin. It’s a lesson that echoes the wisdom of ancient Chinese women like Empress Cixi, who understood that true radiance comes from within. 

Serves: 4 
Prep Time: 20 minutes 
Cook Time: 1.5 hours 

Ingredients: 

• 1 large Asian pear (or 2 small pears), peeled, cored, and cut into chunks 

• 10g dried white fungus (snow fungus), soaked in water for 30 minutes, then trimmed and torn into small pieces 

• 20g sweet almonds (南杏) 

• 10g bitter almonds (北杏) (optional, for a slightly stronger medicinal effect) 

• 1-2 pieces of dried honey dates (or regular dried dates), pitted 

• 1 small piece of dried tangerine peel (陈皮), soaked and scraped to remove the bitter pith (optional) 

• 1.5 liters of water 

• Rock sugar or honey, to taste (about 2-3 tablespoons, adjust as desired) 

• A handful of goji berries (枸杞子), for garnish (optional) 

Instructions: 

1. Prepare the Ingredients: 

• Soak the white fungus in water for 30 minutes until softened. Trim the hard base and tear it into small pieces. 

• Soak the dried tangerine peel (if using) in warm water for 10 minutes, then scrape off the bitter white pith. 

• Rinse the sweet and bitter almonds. 

2. Cook the Soup: 

• In a large pot, add the water, white fungus, sweet almonds, bitter almonds (if using), honey dates, and tangerine peel (if using). 

• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, partially covered. 

3. Add the Pears: 

• After 1 hour, add the pear chunks to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the pears are soft but not mushy. 

4. Sweeten the Soup: 

• Add rock sugar or honey to taste, stirring until dissolved. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference. 

5. Garnish and Serve: 

• If using, add a handful of goji berries in the last 5 minutes of cooking. 

• Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference. 

Health Benefits: 

• Pears: Moisturize the lungs, relieve cough, and clear heat. 

• White Fungus: Nourishes the lungs, improves skin, and provides hydration. 

• Almonds: Sweet almonds moisten the lungs, while bitter almonds help relieve cough and asthma. 

• Goji Berries: Boost immunity and add a touch of sweetness. 

This dessert soup is not only delicious but also a comforting remedy for dry throats and lungs, especially during autumn and winter. Enoy your post dinner moments like an imperial empress.