Coughing is a reaction to an irritant, such as a respiratory infection or an allergen that stimulates the production of mucus in the airways, the coughing reflex is an important part of the body’s defense system and can be dry and tickly or wet and productive with phlegm.  Often a cough is a simple clearing of the throat or due to a simple cold but a persistent cough can indicate a more serious problem.  Triggers can be cold, damp weather conditions or even air pollution or smoke.

The persimmon when mature is a blend of apricot, plum and honey but immature it’s astringent tannins will cause you to pucker up!  Be sure to use only persimmons that are completely ripe, very soft and jelly like or the drink will be astringent, as an example the persimmons in the photographs would not be ripe enough but these are ones that were available at the time.  Persimmons are sweet, astringent and cool, they moisten the lungs and helps reduce excessive heat and mucus.  They help counter dry weather or dry conditions in the body such as thirst or a dry hacking cough.  Persimmons are an excellent source of vitamin C. 

Other ingredients that are great for a cough that we've included in this recipe are:

• Ginger is warming and transforms phlegm.
• Cinnamon is sweet, pungent and warming, it supports the lungs.
• Honey moistens dryness and helps with dry cough.
• The limes antiseptic, anti-microbial and mucus resolving action make it useful for hacking coughs.  

Food can be powerful regaining balance in the body after being sick, as can herbs and acupuncture -- which was the inspiration behind DAO Labs Cold Season Solutions. Bounce Back is a proprietary blend that draws on centuries of Chinese herbal scholarship to provide a unique solution to the fever, chills, body aches, and nasal congestion associated with cold season. Breathe Clear is inspired by Zhi Sou San, a formula used by doctors of Chinese Herbal Medicine for centuries to relieve coughs, reduce phlegm, and to soothe throat irritations. 

Soothing Persimmon Drink For a Cough

Yield 2-3 servings

• 1 medium to large Persimmon, spoon out the jellylike flesh of a very ripe persimmon
• ½ inch piece Ginger peeled and chopped
• Cinnamon two or more dashes to taste
• 1-2 Tablespoons Honey or to taste
• 8-12 oz Water
• Lime wedge

Instructions:

Simmer all ingredients until flavors come together, blend, finish with a squeeze of lime and enjoy!  The warmth imparted by the ginger and cinnamon make it appropriate for Winter days or you can enjoy this sweet spicy drink anytime.

Dining with Culinary Artist Travis Metzger is an unforgettable experience. You can taste the passion, creativity and culinary expertise in each of Travis’s one-of-kind recipes. Most would agree that Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs in their original form taste less than delectable, but Travis has proven that TCM for today can taste great with DAO Labs. Travis develops unique flavors for each DAO formula to complement the proprietary blend of herbs and their health benefits. After extensive training at the New England Culinary Institute, Travis ran some of the finest restaurants across the country before starting his own in Minneapolis. To survive the stresses and physical challenges of the kitchen heat, Travis focused on combining natural ingredients for healthy AND delicious eating and juicing.