How long should you steam pears to treat cough?
Feb 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Steamed pears generally refer to pears that are cooked by steaming. For honey-steamed pears, wash the pear thoroughly, remove the core, pour 50g of honey into the cavity, then steam in a pot for 15 minutes. For rock sugar-steamed pears, remove the pear core, add an appropriate amount of rock sugar, and steam over boiling water for about 10 minutes. For Sichuan pepper-steamed pears, cut the pear in half horizontally, remove the core, place 2 pieces of rock sugar and 20 Sichuan peppercorns inside, put the two halves back together, and steam over boiling water for 30 minutes.
Steamed pears generally refer to the practice of steaming pears, commonly used as a home remedy for coughs. Popular methods include honey-steamed pear, rock sugar-steamed pear, and Sichuan pepper-steamed pear. The exact steaming time usually depends on the specific method used.
1. Honey-Steamed Pear
Honey-steamed pear is typically effective in promoting saliva production, relieving thirst, suppressing cough, and reducing phlegm. To prepare, first wash the pear thoroughly, remove the core, then pour about 50g of honey into the cavity. Place the pear in a heatproof dish and steam it over boiling water for approximately 15 minutes.
2. Rock Sugar-Steamed Pear
Rock sugar-steamed pear is generally known to clear lungs, reduce phlegm, and relieve internal heat. Begin by washing the pear and removing the core. Place an appropriate amount of rock sugar inside the cavity, then steam the pear over boiling water until the flesh becomes translucent—usually around 10 minutes.
3. Sichuan Pepper-Steamed Pear
Sichuan pepper-steamed pear is commonly believed to moisten the lungs, relieve cough, and assist in lowering blood pressure and lipid levels. Start by washing the pear, cutting it horizontally in half, and removing the core. Add 2 pieces of rock sugar and about 20 Sichuan peppercorns into the cavity, then reassemble the two halves. Steam over boiling water for approximately 30 minutes.
In addition, garlic boiled with rock sugar water may also help alleviate cough symptoms. Although these remedies may offer some supportive benefits in managing or improving coughs, their effectiveness is limited. It is recommended to seek proper medical evaluation and treatment based on the underlying cause under a doctor's guidance to promote faster recovery.
