Introduction: Regarding smog, there are many folk remedies for "lung cleansing," and the most popular among them are blood products from animals such as pig's blood and chicken blood. Is it true that "eating blood cleanses the lungs"?
On the evening of December 7th, Beijing issued its first-ever red alert for smog, with PM2.5 levels once again hitting the peak. As a result, various anti-smog "lung cleansing" folk remedies have been brought back into the spotlight, with the most popular being blood products from animals like pig's and chicken blood. So, is it really true that "eating blood cleanses the lungs"?
Can animal blood "cleanse the lungs"?
Many people believe that after consuming animal blood, their stool turns black, which must be the toxins being expelled from the lungs!
In fact, because animal blood is rich in iron, which is not fully absorbed by the body, the remaining iron turns black under the action of stomach acid, leading to black stools. This is not the so-called "lung cleansing" effect. As of now, there is no experimental or clinical evidence that small molecules in food can remove dust from the lungs.
So, what exactly is "lung cleansing"?
Actually, the concept of "lung cleansing" originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and generally refers to alleviating symptoms related to the respiratory tract, such as coughing and excessive phlegm. The "lung-cleansing foods" and "medicines" people talk about refer to certain foods and herbs that can help improve these symptoms, playing a role in clearing heat and detoxifying the body.
Although diet cannot directly "cleanse the lungs," it can indirectly protect the lungs from the damage caused by smog to the respiratory system.
Since smog can trigger or exacerbate respiratory diseases, from a TCM perspective, one can eat more ingredients that resolve phlegm, stop coughing, moisten the lungs, and clear dryness. These include: Beishashen, Yuzhu, Maidong, Lianzi, Baihe, Xueer, Juhua, Luohanguo, Chenpi, Shanyao, Beixing, Nanxing, Xueli, Youzi, Mati, Heimuer, Yangcong, Huoluobo, Xihongshi, Fengmi, etc.
Pumpkin, Snow Fungus, and Pear Soup
Deputy Chief Physician Deng Cong from the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Guangzhou Nansha Central Hospital recommends two lung-cleansing dietary remedies for everyone:
1. Lily, Lotus Seed, and Snow Fungus Syrup – To clear dryness and moisten the lungs
【Ingredients】30g lily, 30g lotus seeds, 15g snow fungus, a little sugar.
【Method】Soak the snow fungus in water until soft, wash it, and set aside. Wash the lotus seeds and lily in water and set aside. Add an appropriate amount of water to a clay pot, bring to a boil over high heat. Add all the ingredients, wait for the water to boil again, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for about an hour. Add sugar to taste and serve.
【Effects】Clears dryness and moistens the lungs. Suitable for symptoms such as body heat, dry throat and pain, thirst, and dry nasal passages. This syrup has a neutral nature and is suitable for daily health care for the whole family.
Mung Bean, Lily, and Lotus Seed Soup
2. Apricot and Pear Soup – To moisten the lungs, stop coughing, and resolve phlegm
【Ingredients】15g North apricot, 15g South apricot, 2 pears, 250g lean pork, a little salt.
【Method】Peel the North and South apricots and remove their tips; set aside. Core the pears and cut them into small pieces with the skin on; set aside. Add an appropriate amount of water to a clay pot, bring to a boil over high heat. Add all the ingredients, wait for the water to boil again, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for about two hours. Add salt to taste and serve.
【Effects】Suitable for symptoms such as excessive phlegm, coughing up yellow phlegm, difficulty expectorating, and a dry, sore throat. Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions can use it as a daily health care dietary remedy.
From a modern medical perspective, it is recommended to eat more dark green and orange-yellow vegetables. These vegetables are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), and vitamin A can affect the formation of respiratory mucosal cells, helping to strengthen the mucous membranes of the throat and lungs.
However, it is a reminder that protecting your lungs is not enough relying solely on diet! The most direct method is to try to reduce outdoor activities on smoggy days; if you go out, take protective measures, and it's best to wear a professional PM2.5 protective mask.
Lily, Snow Fungus, and Pear Soup