For generations, Chuan Bei (Fritillaria Bulb) has been one of the most treasured herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for supporting respiratory health. Traditionally enjoyed in soups, herbal teas, and steamed pear recipes, Chuan Bei is known for helping to soothe the throat, moisten the lungs, and support the body's natural response to dry coughs and seasonal irritation.
What is Chuan Bei?
Chuan Bei (川貝), also known as Fritillaria Bulb, is the dried bulb of several Fritillaria plant species native to China. It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years and is especially valued for supporting lung health.
Unlike many warming herbs, Chuan Bei is considered cooling in nature according to TCM. It is traditionally used to clear internal heat, moisten dryness, transform phlegm, and soothe persistent coughs, making it particularly popular during seasonal changes or in dry climates.
Its mildly bitter taste mellows beautifully when simmered with naturally sweet ingredients like pears and dried figs, creating a comforting, lightly sweet broth that's enjoyed by both adults and children.
5 Key Benefits of Chuan Bei
1. Traditionally Used to Soothe Dry Coughs
Chuan Bei is best known in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its role in supporting respiratory comfort.
It has traditionally been used to help soothe dry, lingering coughs and throat irritation, particularly when symptoms are associated with dryness rather than excess mucus.
This is why Chuan Bei is so often paired with pear in classic Chinese home remedies.
2. Helps Moisturize the Lungs
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, healthy lungs require adequate moisture to function optimally.
During colder months, allergy season, or in dry indoor environments, many people experience throat dryness or occasional irritation. Chuan Bei has traditionally been used alongside nourishing foods like pears and figs to help moisten the lungs and restore balance.
Our Relief Soup follows this traditional pairing by combining Chuan Bei with dried pear for a naturally soothing broth.
3. Traditionally Used to Support Healthy Mucus Balance
In TCM, Chuan Bei is commonly used to help transform phlegm while simultaneously nourishing the lungs.
Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, traditional herbal soups aim to restore balance within the respiratory system through gentle nourishment.
Combined with sweet and bitter apricot kernels, Chuan Bei has long been a favourite ingredient in Cantonese soups prepared during seasonal coughs.
4. Supports Seasonal Respiratory Wellness
Many families enjoy Chuan Bei soup during the colder months or whenever seasonal changes leave the throat feeling irritated.
Because it is considered gentle and nourishing, it has been passed down through generations as part of a family wellness routine to support everyday respiratory health.
Our Relief Soup is suitable for adults and children 15 months and older, making it an easy way for the whole family to enjoy traditional Chinese nourishment.
5. A Time-Honoured Ingredient in Chinese Herbal Cooking
Beyond its traditional wellness benefits, Chuan Bei has become one of the most iconic ingredients in Cantonese herbal cuisine.
Its ability to pair beautifully with fruits, herbs, and vegetables makes it incredibly versatile, creating light yet deeply comforting soups that have remained household favourites for centuries.
Today, Chuan Bei continues to be one of the most respected herbs for respiratory wellness in Traditional Chinese cooking.
Recommended Chuan Bei Soup Recipe
One of the easiest ways to enjoy the traditional benefits of Chuan Bei is with our Relief Soup Pack, inspired by classic Cantonese herbal soup recipes.
Perfect during seasonal changes or whenever your throat feels dry or irritated, this nourishing soup is a comforting addition to your wellness routine.
Each pack contains two individually wrapped soup bags, with each bag serving approximately 2-3 people.
“Relief - Traditional Chinese Herbal Soup for Lung & Respiratory Wellness”
Each pack contains two individually wrapped soup bags, ensuring freshness and flexibility. Each bag serves 2-3 people, so you can enjoy it solo or share with family!
Each Soup Pack Ingredients (1 individually wrapped bag):
- Chuan Bei (Fritillaria Bulb)
- Dried Pear
- Sweet Apricot Kernel
- Bitter Apricot Kernel
- Chinese Yam
- Dried Figs
- Dried Mushroom
- Textured Pea Protein
Flavourful Additions:
- Carrot
- Corn
- Blanched chicken or pork
- Apple
- Pear
- For a vegan twist, add a handful of raw cashews.
Cooking Instructions:
- Rinse all ingredients in the soup bag.
- In a pot, add the soup bag, 1.5L water, and the flavourful additions.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 1 hour.
- Season with salt to taste and enjoy it warm!
Check out our Relief Soup Pack today and experience the nourishing benefits of Chuan Bei for yourself!