Fresh Rhizoma Phragmitis Porridge

Dietetic Therapy Prescriptions

[Porridge Composition] 100-150 grams of fresh Phragmitis Rhizoma, 15-20 grams of Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam, 2 liang of Nonglutinous Rice, and 2 slices of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens.

[Indications and Effects] Clear heat, helps with occasional restlessness, promote fluid production, and stop vomiting. It is applicable to thirst, restlessness caused by all types of high fever, stomach-heat vomiting or persistent hiccups, hyperemesis gravidarum in women, Lung abscess, Lung carbuncle, cough and asthma due to phlegm-heat, and expectoration of purulent turbid phlegm.

[Decoction Method] Take fresh Phragmitis Rhizoma (often written as “living Phragmitis Rhizoma” in doctors’ prescriptions) each time, wash it, and cut it into small sections. Decoct it together with Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam to obtain the juice, remove the dregs, add Nongli Rice (Oryza sativa L. var. japonica) to cook into porridge. When the porridge is almost cooked, add two slices of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens and cook for a short while.

[Explanation of Congee Efficacy] Lu, also known as wei. Lu Gen (Rhizoma Phragmittis) is the rhizome of the reed, a plant from the Gramineae family, hence it was also called Wei Jing by the ancients. Lu Gen is sweet in taste and cold in nature, and enters the Lung and stomach meridians. Based on the experience of veteran traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, Lu Gen is mainly used clinically in the following two aspects. Firstly, it clears Lung heat, dispels phlegm, and promotes the discharge of pus. It is quite effective for Lung abscess, Lung carbuncle, coughing up thick yellow and purulent phlegm with a fishy and foul odor. The “Wei Jing Tang” (Reed Stem Decoction) recorded in the [Qian Jin Fang] (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) by Sun Simiao of the Tang Dynasty is a well – known prescription for supports such conditions. It takes Lu Gen as the main herb, combined with three other herbs: Tao Ren (Semen Persicae), Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen), and Dong Guazi (Semen Benincasae). Secondly, it clears stomach heat, generates body fluids, and helps with occasional vomiting. It has an ideal effect on febrile wellness with restlessness and thirst, stomach – heat – induced vomiting, or incessant hiccups.

Bamboo Shavings are obtained by scraping the middle layer of the stem of Phyllostachys glauca or Pleioblastus amarus (both belonging to the Poaceae family) into filamentous form after removing the outermost layer of the bark. It is commonly known as “Zhu Er Qing” among the people. Bamboo Shavings have a fresh fragrance, are sweet in taste, cool in nature, and non-toxic, and enter the Lung and stomach meridians. Its therapeutic effects and indications are similar to those of Phragmitis Rhizoma (Lu Gen). Firstly, it clears Lung heat and resolves phlegm; secondly, it clears stomach heat and stops vomiting. It is an effective herb for supports cough due to Lung heat with yellow and thick sputum, as well as vomiting and nausea due to stomach heat, and is particularly commonly used for morning wellness during pregnancy. Therefore, combining Phragmitis Rhizoma with Bamboo Shavings and cooking them together with rice into a thin porridge not only enhances their therapeutic effects but also reduces stomach irritation and nourishes the stomach and harmonizes the middle-jiao. According to the “Shi Yi Xin Jian · Recipes for supports Various Pediatric wellness with Food”: “For supports pediatric vomiting with restlessness and fever, a recipe for raw Phragmitis Rhizoma porridge is provided. Take one tael of raw Phragmitis Rhizoma, wash it clean, decoct it in one liter of water to obtain seven he of decoction, remove the dregs, add one he of red rice to the decoction, and cook it into porridge for consumption.” This recipe is only for children and does not use Bamboo Shavings. In fact, it can be selected for any cases of Lung and stomach heat syndromes. If used for patients with nausea and vomiting, adding two slices of ginger can produce even more satisfactory results.

[Precautions] Fresh Reed Rhizome Porridge is used for Lung-stomach heat syndrome. When cooking, it should be thin rather than thick. It should be taken twice a day, with a course of supports lasting 3 to 5 days. It should not be used by patients with stomach-cold vomiting or Lung-cold cough.

[Reference Materials]

[Taiping Shenghui Fang · Volume 97 · Various Prescriptions for supports Children with Dietary Therapy]: “Prescription for Lugen Porridge to supports vomiting, restlessness, heat, and thirst in children: Take two liang of fresh Rhizoma Phragmitis (Lugen) chopped, and one he of millet. Above

Add two large bowls of water, boil down to one bowl, strain out the dregs, add rice to cook into porridge, then add a small amount of ginger and honey before eating.

Q1: How to make fresh rhizoma phragmitis porridge?

A1: To make fresh rhizoma phragmitis porridge, combine 100-150 grams of fresh Phragmitis Rhizoma, 15-20 grams of Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam, 2 liang (approximately 100 grams) of nonglutinous rice, and 2 slices of fresh Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens. Rinse the ingredients, add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer until the rice is tender and the porridge thickens. This traditional preparation is typically consumed warm once daily.

Q2: What are the health benefits of fresh phragmitis porridge?

A2: The fresh Phragmitis porridge offers several health benefits, including clearing heat, alleviating restlessness, promoting fluid production, and stopping vomiting. It is particularly effective for conditions such as thirst and irritability caused by high fever, stomach-heat vomiting, persistent hiccups, hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnant women, and lung abscess. Regular consumption helps to cool internal heat and support respiratory and digestive health.

Q3: Is fresh rhizoma phragmitis porridge effective for cough?

A3: Fresh rhizoma phragmitis porridge can be beneficial for coughs associated with lung heat or lung abscess, as it helps clear heat and promote bodily fluids. The recipe’s cooling properties soothe the respiratory tract and reduce inflammation, making it suitable for dry, hacking coughs or those accompanied by thick phlegm. However, for persistent or severe cough, consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Q4: What are the ingredients needed for fresh rhizoma phragmitis porridge?

A4: The key ingredients for fresh rhizoma phragmitis porridge are 100-150 grams of fresh Phragmitis Rhizoma (reed rhizome), 15-20 grams of Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam (bamboo shavings), 2 liang (about 100 grams) of nonglutinous rice, and 2 slices of fresh Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (ginger). These components work synergistically to deliver the porridge’s cooling and antiemetic properties.

Q5: Who should consume fresh rhizoma phragmitis porridge?

A5: This porridge is recommended for individuals experiencing thirst and restlessness from high fever, stomach-heat vomiting, persistent hiccups, and hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnancy. It is also beneficial for those with lung abscess or respiratory conditions involving heat and phlegm. Because it clears heat and promotes fluid, it suits people with inflammatory or feverish symptoms, but those with cold-type digestive issues should use it cautiously.