Fig, Fresh Lily Bulb and Houttuynia Soup

Why people make this soup

Nourilo wrote this one for long-term smokers, who often run into lung trouble with age — phlegm and cough, and in worse cases a sense of breathlessness at night. He’s quick to add that the people around a smoker can develop similar symptoms from secondhand smoke, so the real “remedy” is to quit for everyone’s sake. In the meantime, this simple, fragrant soup is traditionally used to clear lung heat, ease cough, and keep things moving.