Cough Soup for Toddlers

This is the soup I make the minute the runny nose starts. It’s based on a traditional Chinese blend called Sha Shen Yu Zhu Qing Run Tang, a gentle, lung-supporting remedy made with Chinese herbs, pork bones, and pear. My toddlers call it “cough soup.” Sometimes they even ask for it. Sometimes they don’t drink it. But I keep making it because it helps me feel like I’m doing something to ease their discomfort.

I use a pre-packed herb set from Hock Hua Tonic (a well-known traditional Chinese medicine store in Singapore). The box is labelled 沙参玉竹清润汤 — Sha Shen Yu Zhu Qing Run Tang, Premium Glehnia Root Soup. You can find it at most Chinese medical halls and some supermarkets.

Why I Love It:

✔️ Pressure cooked like a shortcut bone broth
✔️ Naturally sweet, no sugar or syrups
✔️ Supports cough recovery and dry throats
✔️ Toddler-safe, freezer-friendly if batch cooking 

Ingredients:

- 1 packet 沙参玉竹清润汤 — Sha Shen Yu Zhu Qing Run Tang, washed
- 0.5-1kg pork or chicken bones (I like large marrow bones for collagen)
- 1 korean pear, quartered
- 1.5l water
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup water
*Optional: soy sauce, sesame oil, chilli oil

Instructions:

1. Blanch bones in boiling water for 5 mins to remove impurities. Rinse and drain
2. Add blanched bones, herbs, pear, water and salt to pot
3. Pressure cook for 2 hours or simmer on stove for 2-4 hours
4. Remove bones and meat. If you enjoy the soft bits serve with a drizzle of soy sauce, sesame oil and your fav chilli oil (for adults)
5. Skim off fat and impurities from soup. Season with salt to taste