This preparation helps to soothe sore throats and to reduce coughs over time. Results vary by individual.

Preparation: Take 6 pears. If they’re not organic, peel them. Cut them into quarters, leaving the core in, and put them in a saucepan. Add 1.75 to 2 litres (7-8 cups) of water. Bring to a boil, then cook on low heat for 20-30 minutes.

Usage: Drink a mug of liquid, 1 to 8 times a day, depending on your needs and condition (see Cautions below). In cold weather, drink the liquid hot; in warmer weather, drink it at room temperature. You can eat the cooked pears with the liquid if you like, or save them for other uses.

Cautions: Not recommended for people with indigestion or diarrhea. May cause gas, bloating.

Explanation: In Chinese medicine, coughs are considered to be caused by excessive heat in the lungs. The pear cooking liquid has a cooling effect; this helps decrease the heat in the lungs, but also cools the stomach, which is not desired in the case of excessive cold in the stomach.