Yuli Ren Congee

Dietetic Therapy Prescriptions for Mental Comfort

[Ingredients of the Porridge] 10-15 grams of Semen Pruni, 30-60 grams of japonica rice.

[Indications and Effects] Moistens the intestines to promote bowel movement, promotes diuresis to reduce edema. Applicable for dry and constipated stool, difficult urination, edema with abdominal distension, including Liver cirrhosis ascites, and edema of the limbs.

[Decoction Method] First, pound the Semen Pruni to a paste, grind it in water and wring out the medicinal juice, or pound it to a paste, decoct the juice, remove the dregs, and then add japonica rice to cook into porridge.

[Explanation of Congee Benefits] Pruni Semen is the mature seed kernel of Prunus japonica Thunb., a deciduous shrub of the Rosaceae family. It is mainly produced in Liaoning, Hebei, and Inner Mongolia. For congee preparation, seeds that are plump, pale yellowish-white, free of oil exudation, and without hulls are preferred.

According to traditional Chinese medical literature, yuli ren (Prunus japonica Thunb. seed) has a taste described as “sour, sweet, bitter, and pungent,” and is neutral in nature and non-toxic. China’s earliest pharmacopeia, the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Divine Farmer’s Classic of Materia Medica), records it under the name “Jue Li” and categorizes it as a “lower-grade” medicinal substance. This classification stems from its primary function of promoting the excretion of feces and urine, specializing in “purgation and expulsion.” Li Dongyuan, one of the four eminent physicians of the Jin-Yuan period, stated that it “specifically supports Qi Stagnation in the large intestine, resolving dryness and obstruction.” Modern traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, building upon the experiences of their predecessors and through clinical observation, consider yuli ren’s main actions to be promoting bowel movements and facilitating urination, allowing excess fluids in the body to be eliminated through feces and urine. It is commonly used for conditions such as severe constipation, difficult urination, edema with abdominal distension, and ascites due to Liver cirrhosis. Due to its strong laxative effect, abdominal discomfort or mild pain may occur before bowel movements after consuming yuli ren. Therefore, cooking it into a porridge with japonica rice can reduce adverse reactions and moderate its medicinal effects. Tang Dynasty physician Zan Yin’s Shi Yi Xin Jian (Dietary Therapy Insights) includes a recipe for “Yuli Ren Porridge to supports Pediatric Hydrops with Abdominal Pain, Distension, Facial Edema, and Difficult Urination”: “Take four fen (a traditional unit of weight, approximately 1.2 grams) of yuli ren, grind it with eight he (a traditional unit of volume, approximately 160 milliliters) of water, filter to obtain the juice, and cook with one he of white rice into porridge. Consume on an empty stomach.” According to other medical texts, this porridge can be consumed by patients experiencing difficulty in defecation or urination.

[Precautions] It is advisable to take Prunus Semen Japonicae Congee for a course of 3 to 5 days, consuming it warm in two divided doses daily. It is not suitable for pregnant women.

[Reference Materials]

[Taiping Shenghui Fang · Volume 97]: “Prescription for Prunus pedunculata Porridge to supports foot qi with swelling, fullness, shortness of breath, and difficult urination and defecation. Half a liang of Prunus pedunculata, remove the peel and grind it; three he of polished round-grained rice; one he of honey; one cockleshell of ginger juice. First, cook the porridge. When it is almost cooked, add the three ingredients, stir them evenly, and continue to cook until fully cooked. Consume it on an empty stomach.”

[Yang Lao Feng Qin Shu · Recipes for supports Various wellness in the Elderly through Diet, Chapter 14]: “Dietary supports for the elderly with edema, facial swelling, abdominal distension, restless breathing, inability to move, numbness in hands and feet, heavy and fatigued body, or pain. Recipe for Prunus Semen (Yuli Ren) porridge. Take 2 liang of Prunus Semen, grind it, filter the juice with water, and rinse 5 he of Coicis Semen (Yiyiren). Use the filtered juice to make porridge, consume it on an empty stomach, twice a day, and it will often be effective.”

[Eruting Qunfangpu · Volume Two]: “Prunus japonica Thunb. porridge. For edema due to beriberi, Heart and abdominal pain, constipation and difficulty in urination, shortness of breath and rapid breathing. Take 12 fen of crushed Prunus japonica Thunb. kernels, grind them in water and wring out the juice. Take three he of coix seed ground to the size of millet grains, cook them together with the juice to make porridge and consume it.”

Q1: What is Yuli Ren Congee used for mental comfort?

A1: Yuli Ren Congee, a traditional dietetic therapy porridge, is used for mental comfort by promoting bowel movement and reducing edema, which can alleviate physical discomfort that contributes to mental stress. The semen pruni (Prunus humilis) ingredients help regulate digestive health, indirectly supporting emotional calmness. It is particularly beneficial for those experiencing constipation or fluid retention related to anxiety.

Q2: How to make Yuli Ren Congee with semen pruni?

A2: To make Yuli Ren Congee, first pound 10-15 grams of semen pruni into a paste, then grind it in water and wring out the liquid. Combine this extract with 30-60 grams of japonica rice and cook into a porridge. The resulting congee is consumed to moisten the intestines and promote bowel movements, helping with conditions like dry stool and edema.

Q3: What are the benefits of Yuli Ren Congee for anxiety relief?

A3: Yuli Ren Congee benefits anxiety relief by addressing physical symptoms such as constipation and edema, which can exacerbate stress. By moistening the intestines and promoting diuresis, it helps the body eliminate waste and excess fluid, potentially reducing discomfort and promoting a sense of mental comfort. However, it is not a direct sedative but supports overall well-being.

Q4: How does Yuli Ren Congee recipe help for sleep improvement?

A4: Yuli Ren Congee recipe aids sleep improvement by alleviating digestive issues and fluid retention that may disrupt rest. The semen pruni’s laxative and diuretic properties help cleanse the system, reducing nighttime discomfort. For those with anxiety-related sleep problems, this congee can indirectly foster relaxation by promoting physical ease.

Q5: Is Yuli Ren Congee effective for constipation and edema?

A5: Yes, Yuli Ren Congee is effective for constipation and edema due to its semen pruni content, which moistens the intestines to promote bowel movements and promotes urination to reduce swelling. It is indicated for dry stool, difficult urination, and edema including liver cirrhosis ascites and limb edema. This makes it a valuable dietary remedy for both physical and mental comfort.