Throat still scratchy after the haze? A gentle TCM ritual to nourish your Lungs

The haze has cleared, but your throat hasn't got the memo. It's dry, it tickles, and you keep clearing it. Maybe your eyes feel gritty too, and you just feel a bit flat.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), that pattern points to the Lungs. They are considered the body's most delicate and exposed organ, the bridge between the air outside and your interior, so they are the first to feel the strain when air quality drops. The good news is that TCM has a gentle, practical way to help them recover.

Why haze affects your Lungs, according to TCM

TCM describes the Lungs as a "delicate organ" because they are in constant contact with the air around us. When environmental dryness and airborne pollutants build up, TCM sees them as depleting Lung Yin, the cooling, moistening side of the Lungs. When Lung Yin runs low, you may notice:

• A dry or scratchy throat
  
• Persistent tickles and an irritated cough
  
• Dry, itchy eyes or nose
  
• A heavy, low or drained feeling, as TCM links the Lungs with emotional fatigue

The aim of this ritual is to moisten and replenish, rather than to push the body harder.

Nourish from within: white fungus and pear soup with AŌRA Breath Tea

White fungus (also called snow fungus) and pear are classic TCM ingredients, traditionally used to moisten the Lungs, generate body fluids and ease throat discomfort caused by dryness. Simmering them with AŌRA Breath Tea adds gentle, respiratory-supporting herbs to the dessert.

Ingredients (serves 1)

• 1 AŌRA Breath Tea bag
  
• ½ pear, cubed
  
• 1–2 tbsp soaked white fungus
  
• 400–500 ml water
  
• Optional: a few goji berries or red dates for extra warmth and natural sweetness
  

How to make it

1. Soak the white fungus in warm water until soft. Trim away any hard stems and tear it into small pieces.
   
2. Bring 400–500 ml of water to a gentle boil in a small pot.
   
3. Add the cubed pear, soaked white fungus and AŌRA Breath Tea bag.
   
4. Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, until the pear softens and the broth turns fragrant and slightly gelatinous.
   
5. Serve warm in a bowl and sip slowly, letting it coat and soothe your throat.
   

Anchor your relief: ear seed points for throat and breathing comfort

Warm herbal remedies nourish you from the inside, while somatic therapies work from the outside. Auricular therapy (ear seeds) applies steady, gentle pressure to reflex points on the ear that TCM associates with the respiratory tract and nervous system. Our sister brand, PLAY byEAR, makes ear seeds designed for this kind of daily self-care.

These four points are a good place to start after haze:

• Lung point: in the central hollow of the ear (the concha). In TCM, pressing here supports Lung function, soothes coughing and helps with dryness.
  
• Trachea point: near the opening of the ear canal. Used to calm throat tickles and irritation.
  
• Inner nose point: on the inner surface of the tragus (the small flap in front of the ear canal). Used for nasal congestion and upper respiratory discomfort.
  
• Eye point: on the earlobe. Massage it to ease dry, itchy or stinging eyes after hazy days.
  

How to use: apply the seeds to clean, dry ears and gently press each point for 10–15 seconds, a few times a day. It helps to do this right after you step indoors from time spent outside. If your skin feels irritated, remove the seeds and give your ears a rest.

Why tea and ear seeds work well together

TCM takes a holistic view, combining internal nourishment with external meridian stimulation. Each part of this ritual plays a different role.

AŌRA Breath Tea (Lung and Large Intestine meridians)

• Physical comfort: formulated to soothe respiratory dryness, help clear phlegm and support easier breathing.
  
• Emotional release: TCM associates the Lungs with grief and sadness. AŌRA Breath is designed to encourage emotional resilience and deeper, more cleansing exhales when heavy air leaves you feeling sluggish.

PLAY byEAR ear seed refills

• Continuous acupoint stimulation: keeps your self-care practice going between sessions.
  
• Nervous system reset: the slow, rhythmic pressure and mindful pause can help your body settle into a calmer, parasympathetic ("rest and digest") state, which supports relaxation and eases tension.
  

The short version

After haze, TCM sees the Lungs as dry and depleted. A warm bowl of white fungus and pear soup with AŌRA Breath Tea moistens from within, and a few minutes of pressing the Lung, Trachea, Inner Nose and Eye points on the ear helps you unwind from the outside. Use them together, little and often, and keep an eye on the PSI so you know when to take extra care outdoors.

Frequently asked questions

What does TCM recommend for a dry throat after haze?
TCM focuses on moistening the Lungs. Pear, white fungus and gentle herbal teas are traditional choices, often combined with ear reflexology and rest.

How often can I have white fungus and pear soup?
As a light dessert, it is commonly enjoyed a few times a week during dry or hazy periods. Listen to your body, and speak with a TCM practitioner if you have specific health conditions or take regular medication.

Where are the ear seed points for a cough or sore throat?
The Lung point sits in the central hollow of the ear, and the Trachea point is near the opening of the ear canal. Gently press each for 10–15 seconds, a few times a day.

When should I see a doctor?
If a cough, sore throat or breathing difficulty lasts more than a week or two, worsens, or comes with fever, chest pain or wheezing, see a doctor promptly.

Ready to breathe easy again?

Don't let poor air quality get in the way of your well-being. You can get AŌRA Breath Tea and PLAY byEAR Ear Seeds Refill together in the Haze Care Bundle. Take a mindful moment today: brew a warm cup, press your ear seeds and give your body the care it deserves.

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