Sea Cucumber Congee

Discourses for the Aged

[Ingredients of the Porridge Recipe] Appropriate amount of sea cucumber, 2 liang of japonica rice or glutinous rice.

[Indications/Actions] Tonifies the Kidneys, nourishes essence, and replenishes blood. Indicated for deficiency of essence and blood, physical weakness, decreased sexual function, spermatorrhea, and frequent urination due to Kidney deficiency.

[Boiling Method] First, soak the sea cucumber thoroughly, clean and dissect it, cut it into pieces, boil until tender, and then cook it with rice into a thin porridge.

[Explanation of Congee Benefits] Sea cucumber, also known as “trepang” or “sea mouse,” is a highly nutritious tonic rich in protein. It is distributed in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea regions of China, preferring shallow marine rocky reefs and fine sandy mud bottoms with abundant seaweed and calm water currents. According to analysis, dried sea cucumber contains as much as 55.5% crude protein and 1.85% crude fat, while soaked sea cucumber contains 21.5% protein, which is richer than that found in lean pork or beef, and contains only a small amount of fat.

It contains 0.3% fat, which is far less than that in other edible meats. In addition, it also contains calcium, phosphorus, iron, and a large amount of iodine.

According to ancient TCM literature, sea cucumber is salty in taste, warm in nature, and enters the Kidney Meridian. Medical books throughout history have stated its function of tonifying the Kidneys. For example, Ben Cao Cong Xin (New Compilation of Materia Medica) says, “Sea cucumber tonifies the Kidneys, benefits essence, strengthens yang, and supports impotence.” Shi Wu Yi Ji (Food Dos and Don’ts) states, “It tonifies the Kidney Meridian, benefits essence and marrow, resolves phlegm and saliva, and retains urine.” Sui Xi Ju Yin Shi Pu (Dietetic Spectrum of Sui Xi Residence) also mentions, “Sea cucumber nourishes yin, replenishes blood, strengthens yang, moistens dryness, regulates menstruation, nourishes the fetus, and facilitates childbirth. It is especially suitable for consumption by simmering with ham or pork and mutton for those who are weak and debilitated after childbirth or wellness.” Qing Dynasty’s Cao Tingdong wrote in Lao Lao Heng Yan (Constant Words for the Elderly, Volume 5), “Sea cucumber porridge nourishes the Kidneys and replenishes yin.” In recent years, its range of applications has been expanded. Modern Practical Traditional Chinese Medicine has mentioned, “Sea cucumber is a nourishing product. It is used to supports tuberculosis, neurasthenia, and patients with hemophilia-like conditions prone to bleeding, serving as a hemostatic agent.” Therefore, consuming sea cucumber porridge is an extremely ideal nourishing and strengthening dietary therapy. Regular consumption can be highly beneficial for signs of imbalance such as emaciation, debility, nocturnal emission, impotence, and frequent urination caused by Kidney deficiency.

[Precautions] Sea cucumber porridge is highly nourishing and should be taken on an empty stomach every morning. The course of supports is not limited.

[Reference Materials]

[Dietetic Differentiation Records · Volume II]: “Sea Cucumber Congee is indicated for all conditions of Kidney Yin Deficiency.”

[Xingchu Jiyao]: “Sea Cucumber Congee supports flaccidity and warms the lower energizer.”

[Zhejiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine] Issue 3, 1982, “Sea Cucumber Congee. Nourishes the Kidney and replenishes essence, warms yang and supports impotence. The sea cucumber should be boiled until tender, finely chopped, and then added. The congee should be seasoned with condiments before consumption.”