Glutinous rice flour is made by soaking glutinous rice overnight, then grinding it with water into a slurry. The slurry is then placed in a cloth bag and hung overnight. Once the water has dripped away, the wet glutinous rice dough is broken up and dried to produce the flour. Nowadays, pre-made glutinous rice flour is also easily available in the market. So, what are the effects and benefits of glutinous rice flour?
Glutinous rice flour is sweet in taste and has a mild nature. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Lung meridians. Therefore, glutinous rice flour can tonify the middle and replenish Qi, strengthen the Spleen and nourish the Stomach, and stop spontaneous sweating. It can provide relief for patients with Spleen and Stomach cold deficiency, poor appetite, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea. Additionally, glutinous rice has an astringent effect and is quite effective as a dietary remedy for frequent urination and night sweats.
Glutinous rice flour also has its contraindications. It should be avoided by those with an excess of damp-heat, phlegm-fire, or fever, yellow phlegm, jaundice, or abdominal bloating. Glutinous rice is quite sticky, and when made into pastries, it becomes even more difficult to digest. Therefore, infants, the elderly, and those with weak digestive function after illness should avoid glutinous rice pastries, and diabetics should also consume it in moderation.