How to prepare kumquat for treating cough
May 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Kumquat is often used to make beverages for relieving cough due to its effect of resolving phlegm and alleviating cough. It is commonly prepared as kumquat rock candy water, kumquat honey water, steamed kumquat with rock candy, kumquat tea, or kumquat paste. Although kumquat preparations may help alleviate cough to some extent, they are only suitable for mild cough or as an adjunctive treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is recommended.
Because of its efficacy in resolving phlegm and relieving cough, Kumquat is commonly used to prepare beverages for treating coughs. It is generally made into kumquat rock sugar water, kumquat honey water, stewed kumquat with rock sugar, kumquat tea, or kumquat paste. The specific preparations are as follows:
1. Kumquat Rock Sugar Water: Prepare an appropriate amount of kumquat, wash it thoroughly, and make a cross-shaped cut on the top. Add clean water to a pot, place the kumquat inside, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for a period of time. Add rock sugar and continue cooking until the sugar is completely dissolved and the broth thickens. This method is simple to prepare; the combination of kumquat and rock sugar effectively soothes the lungs and relieves coughing.
2. Kumquat Honey Water: Soak and wash the kumquat in salt water, then cut it into small pieces. Place into a pot, add clean water, and boil. Once cooled to a warm temperature, stir in honey until evenly mixed. Adding honey not only improves the taste but also enhances the effect of soothing the lungs and relieving cough.
3. Stewed Kumquat with Rock Sugar: Pierce the cleaned kumquat with a toothpick, then add an appropriate amount of water and rock sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer slowly over low heat. This method requires a longer stewing time, allowing the beneficial effects of kumquat and rock sugar to fully blend, making it suitable for consumption before bedtime.
4. Kumquat Tea: Soak the kumquat in light salt water, remove the seeds, slice thinly, place into a blender with water, and blend. Then add rock sugar and simmer. Kumquat tea has a refreshing taste and possesses anti-inflammatory and phlegm-resolving properties, making it particularly effective for treating coughs.
5. Kumquat Paste: After washing and removing the seeds from the kumquat, simmer over low heat until thickened, then add honey to make kumquat honey paste. This prepared kumquat paste is easy to store and convenient for immediate use, while the addition of honey enhances both its cough-relieving and preservative properties.
Although kumquat-based preparations may provide some relief for coughing, they are only suitable for mild coughs or as an adjunctive treatment. If symptoms of severe coughing occur, especially viral infections or coughs accompanied by inflammation, prompt medical attention should be sought.
