How to Make Steamed Pear with Rock Sugar (and Who It Is For)

Not every herbal remedy needs a pharmacy. Steamed Pear with Rock Sugar uses things you can buy at any Asian grocery, and in TCM terms it does a specific, well-defined job: dry cough after a cold.

What it is for

Traditionally this drink is used for dry cough after a cold. In pattern language that means it suits the cold or stagnant side of the spectrum, not the hot, dry side.

How to make it

Core a pear, fill the hollow with rock sugar, and steam it forty minutes. Eat warm. For stubborn dry cough, a little fritillary powder (Chuan Bei) goes into the hollow in the traditional version.

A few honest notes

Do not expect fireworks. Food-level herbs act gently, and the benefit shows up over days, not minutes. If your pattern is hot rather than cold, a warming drink like this can push the wrong direction, so stop if you feel more flushed or restless.

None of this replaces a practitioner who can look at your tongue, feel your pulse and ask awkward questions. Use this as background, not as a prescription.