As Autumn Chills Set In, Two Korean Remedies Soothe Sore Throats and Bolster Immunity

Wellness | 2025-10-30 15:46:08
[medi K / HEALTH IN NEWS] Daytime sunshine still carries warmth, but once the sun dips, the air turns crisp and biting. Such swings weaken immunity, inviting swollen throats and persistent coughs. A coat alone won’t suffice; foods that warm from within and shield the bronchial passages are essential. Two seasonal standouts come to mind: sweetly steaming plum-poached pear and a spicy balloon-flower root and oyster salad.

Plum-Poached Pear: Sweet Warmth to Ease the Throat

Pears, rich in water and gentle sweetness, have long been a folk remedy for coughs and sore throats. Their luteolin and polyphenol compounds dampen inflammation and protect bronchial mucosa, soothing irritated airways. Adding the tart acidity of plum amplifies the fatigue-relieving, cooling effect on the digestive tract.

Preparation is straightforward. Wash a pear, slice off the top to form a lid, and hollow out the core. Fill the cavity with ginger, jujube dates, and cinnamon, then spoon in two tablespoons of plum sauce. Replace the lid and steam over low heat for about 30 minutes until the fruit turns translucent and fragrant. A warm spoonful melts away throat congestion, leaving a lingering subtle sweetness.

Balloon-Flower Root and Oyster Salad: Spicy Vigor to Revive the Lungs
Balloon-flower root, with its earthy depth, is a staple for lung and bronchial health. Its saponins help clear phlegm and calm coughs. Oysters, packed with zinc and protein, fortify immunity during transitional seasons. Together, they deliver a bold, layered flavor.

Julienne balloon-flower root, carrot, cucumber, and onion; soak in salted water to remove bitterness. In a bowl, toss the vegetables with doubanjiang, red-pepper powder, sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil. Gently fold in fresh oysters at the end. The crisp texture and piquant seasoning awaken the palate—ideal as a side dish with rice or a standalone treat when appetite lags.

When cold winds blow, the bronchi weaken first: How to protect them warmly with plum-poached pear and balloon-flower root oyster salad. (Photo provided by Clipart Korea)
When cold winds blow, the bronchi weaken first: How to protect them warmly with plum-poached pear and balloon-flower root oyster salad. (Photo provided by Clipart Korea)


A Bowl of Warmth to Guard Seasonal Health

When cold winds arrive, the body senses the shift first. A steaming dish does more than fill the stomach; it comforts a weary frame. Let plum-poached pear envelop the throat in softness and balloon-flower oyster salad refresh the core. At the changing seasons’ table, these dishes offer the warmest path back to wellness.

Lim Hye Jung / press@themedik.kr
Copyright © 2020 mediK. All rights reserved.

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