Drinking congee is an extremely common phenomenon in Chinese society. It was once a symbol of power and status, and also a sign of poverty. Emperors, generals, and high officials ate congee to whet their appetites and promote longevity and health. During the reign of Emperor Muzong of Tang, the talented poet Bai Juyi was bestowed by the emperor with "Fangfeng Congee." Even after eating it for seven days, he still felt a lingering fragrance in his mouth, which was a rare honor at the time...
Poria and Red Adzuki Bean Congee
Method: Grind 15g of Poria into a fine powder. Soak 50g of red adzuki beans in water for 2 hours. Place 100g of rice and the red adzuki beans in a pot, add 800ml of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 40 minutes. Add the Poria powder and cook for another 10 minutes.
Dosage: Once daily, eat 100g per serving.
Function: Eliminates dampness, strengthens the spleen, promotes urination, and reduces swelling. Indicated for ascites due to cirrhosis.
Artemisia and Jujube with Schisandra Congee
Method: Wrap 10g of Artemisia in a gauze bag, place it in a steaming cup, add 80ml of water, and simmer for 25 minutes. Remove the Artemisia and keep the liquid. Place 100g of rice, the Artemisia medicinal liquid, 10 pitted jujubes, and 5g of Schisandra in a pot, add 500ml of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 40 minutes.
Dosage: Once daily, eat 100g per serving. Suitable for regular consumption.
Function: Nourishes the liver and kidneys, replenishes qi and promotes the production of body fluids. Indicated for cirrhosis.
Citrus and Bergamot Congee
Method: Decoct 9g each of Citrus peel and Bergamot in water, strain to remove the dregs, and add 15g of roasted radish seeds (ground into powder). Cook with 100g of japonica rice and an appropriate amount of water to make congee.
Dosage: Take in 2 doses daily.
Function: Indicated for cirrhosis presenting with "qi-type abdominal distension".
Compound Peach Kernel Congee
Method: Decoct 9g of peach kernels, 6g of dried tangerine peel, and 12g of raw hawthorn together in water, strain to remove the dregs, and add japonica rice and an appropriate amount of water to cook into congee.
Dosage: 2 times daily, 1 dose daily.
Function: Indicated for early-stage cirrhosis of qi stagnation and blood stasis type.