Foods for a Cough: The Donguibogam's Records and Modern Health Information
Honey-steamed pear is an old cough food, yet modern sources say evidence for foods easing a cough is limited. This article keeps tradition and modern information apart.
Quick answer
According to the NHS, a cough usually clears up on its own within 3 to 4 weeks, and rest and plenty of fluids are the basics. It mentions a hot lemon and honey drink as having a similar effect to cough syrup, yet states the evidence that hot lemon and honey or herbal products ease a cough is "limited".
The Donguibogam records pear, cored and steamed with honey and eaten cool, for cough with a tight chest. This article presents it as an example of traditional eating, kept separate from modern evidence.
Traditional context in the Donguibogam
Pear steamed with honey
咳嗽胸痞, 取雪梨(去心), 納蜜蒸熟, 停冷食之
For cough with a tight chest, take pear (core removed), add honey, steam until soft and eat once cooled.
Source: Japbyeong-pyeon, cough section · quoting the Ipmun
A record of a traditional preparation. The sources checked for this article contain no modern evidence that it cures a cough.
Asian Pear (梨子)
性寒一云冷, 味甘微酸, 無毒. 除客熱, 止心煩, 消風熱, 除胸中熱結.
Its nature is cold (some say cool), its taste sweet and slightly sour, and it is non-toxic. It removes lodged heat, stops heart vexation, dissolves wind-heat, and clears knotted heat in the chest.
Source: Tangaek-pyeon (herb entry)
Balloon Flower Root (桔梗)
性微溫, 味辛苦, 有小毒. 治肺氣喘促, 下一切氣, 療咽喉痛.
Its nature is slightly warm, its taste pungent and bitter, and it has slight toxicity. It treats labored breathing from lung qi, directs all manner of qi downward, and relieves throat pain.
Source: Tangaek-pyeon (herb entry)
What modern health sources say
- NHS: a cough "will usually clear up on its own within 3 to 4 weeks"; rest and "drink plenty of fluids".
- The NHS says hot lemon and honey can have a similar effect to cough syrup, while stating that evidence for hot lemon and honey and herbal medicines easing a cough is limited.
- Honey is not suitable for babies under 1 year old, and hot drinks should not be given to small children.
- The NHS page does not mention pear.
Safety and limits
- See a doctor if a cough lasts more than 3 weeks, you lose weight for no reason, the cough is very bad or quickly worsens, or you have chest pain, difficulty breathing or cough up blood (the last ones are urgent).
- Pear is cold in nature and eaten in quantity chills the middle; the text warns people with wounds and women just after childbirth in particular against it. Honey is high in sugar and needs consideration where blood sugar is managed.
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
Does pear steamed with honey cure a cough?
The Donguibogam records eating it that way, but the sources checked for this article hold no modern evidence that it cures a cough, and the NHS says evidence for honey, lemon and herbal products easing a cough is limited.
Is honey safe for everyone?
Honey must not be given to babies under 12 months (NHS). It is also high in sugar, which matters where blood sugar is managed.
How long a cough before seeing a doctor?
The NHS advises seeing a doctor if it lasts more than 3 weeks. Coughing up blood, chest pain or difficulty breathing are urgent.
References and verification
- NHS — Cough — Source page last reviewed: 2023-12-08, accessed: 2026-10-09
The classical quotations above were checked against the original text by script. Modern statements are paraphrases of the sources listed here, checked on the access date shown. Editorial review date: 2026-10-09.
Educational information only; it does not replace diagnosis or treatment.