Asian Pear

✅Overview

Asian pear, also called Snow pear in TCM, is a crisp, sweet, and watery fruit commonly eaten fresh or stewed in East Asian cultures. Unlike Western pears, it’s rounder, crunchier, and packed with moisture.In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s considered a cooling, yin-nourishing food that helps:

• Moisten dryness
• Clear internal heat
• Soothe the lungs
• Relieve cough and throat irritation

Modern research supports its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lung-protective benefits.

✅Traditional TCM Functions of Asian Pear (Snow Pear)

• Moistens the lungs and relieves dry cough or hoarse voice
• Clears heat and generates body fluids, especially during fever or dryness
• Reduces phlegm and soothes sore throat
• Often used in formulas for autumn dryness, chronic bronchitis, or heat-type sore throat

Frequently stewed with herbs like chuan bei mu (Fritillaria bulb) or rock sugar to create lung-nourishing tonics.

✅Active Compounds & Biological Functions

📚 Many compounds studied in vitro and in animal models show immunomodulating and lung-protective effects.

Scientific Evidence

✅ Key Findings:

• Respiratory Benefits: Polysaccharide extracts from Asian pear peel have shown anti-inflammatory and mucosal protective effects in rat models of bronchitis.
• Anti-cough effects: Steamed pear with fritillaria has been studied in traditional contexts and small clinical observations for dry cough and chronic bronchitis, especially in children and the elderly.
• Antioxidant activity: Flavonoids and polyphenols in the fruit may protect lung and liver tissues from oxidative damage.
• Hydration support: High water and electrolyte content aids during fever, dryness, or mild dehydration.

• Steamed with rock sugar: Classic TCM remedy for dry cough and throat pain
• Stewed with fritillaria bulb (Chuan Bei): Moistens lungs and relieves chronic cough
• Eaten raw: Cooling effect during fever or dry weather
• Juiced: Used during high heat or dry seasons to cool and hydrate the body

📝 Best for people with dry-type cough, hoarse voice, or internal heat — not ideal for those with weak digestion or loose stool unless balanced with warming herbs.

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Cooling in nature – not recommended in large amounts for people with cold-type constitution, chronic diarrhea, or during cold weather
• Should be cooked or warmed before use in those with weak digestion
• May interfere with certain antitussive medications (consult your provider if using medicinally long-term)

The Kitchen Way

1. Steamed Snow Pear with Rock Sugar (for dry cough & sore throat)

Use for: Dry cough, hoarse voice, throat irritation, post-fever dryness
When to use: During cold seasons or after a lingering dry cough

Ingredients:

• 1 snow pear (medium-large, ripe but firm)
• 1–2 teaspoons rock sugar (or honey after steaming)
• Optional: 4–5 goji berries or 1–2 red dates for extra nourishment

Instructions:

• Wash the pear, cut off the top (keep as a lid), and core the center.
• Place rock sugar inside the hollow.
• Put the lid back on and steam for 30–40 minutes until soft.
• Eat warm, including the syrupy juice at the bottom.

Moistens the lungs, soothes the throat, and gently clears heat without being overly cooling.

2. Snow Pear & Fritillaria Bulb Syrup (for chronic dry cough with phlegm)

Use for: Lingering cough, sticky phlegm, especially in children or elderly
When to use: Autumn/winter or dry indoor heating season

Ingredients:

• 1 snow pear (peeled, diced)
• 1–2 grams fritillaria bulb powder (buy from herbal stores or use fritillaria extract drops)
• 1 teaspoon honey or rock sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

• Boil diced pear with water and sugar on low for 30–40 minutes.
• Once cooled to warm, stir in fritillaria powder.
• Drink the syrup + eat the pear pulp, 1–2 times a day.

Fritillaria adds expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects. Always use food-grade fritillaria only.

3. Snow Pear Salad with Citrus & Mint (for heat & mild dehydration)

Use for: Summer heat, mouth dryness, post-exercise hydration
When to use: Warm or dry weather, especially after outdoor activity

Ingredients:

• 1 snow pear (chilled and sliced)
• A few orange or grapefruit segments
• Fresh mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Optional: pinch of sea salt or a drizzle of honey

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
• Let sit in the fridge for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
• Eat as a refreshing side dish or post-workout rehydration snack.

Combines hydrating sugars, vitamin C, and mild electrolytes. Pear cools internal heat, citrus refreshes, and mint opens the senses.

Tips:

• Best to avoid snow pear recipes if you’re already cold or have loose stools unless combined with warming herbs like ginger.
• Choose ripe, juicy pears—not overly soft or mealy.
• For therapeutic effects, eat daily for 3–5 days depending on condition.