Fangfeng Porridge

[Qian Jin Yue Ling]

The author of this book is Tang Dynasty’s Sun Simiao .

[Ingredients of the Porridge Prescription] 10-15 grams of Radix Saposhnikoviae, two stalks of Scallion, 30-60 grams of Coiced Rice.

[Indications and Effects] Dispels wind and helps with occasional the exterior, disperses cold and helps with occasional pain. Applicable for wind-cold type common cold with signs of imbalance such as fever, aversion to cold, aversion to wind, spontaneous sweating, headache, body pain, wind-cold-dampness bi syndrome with soreness in the joints, and intestinal rumbling with diarrhea.

[Decoction Method] Take Radix Saposhnikoviae (Fangfeng) and Caulis Allii Fistulosi (Congbai), decoct to obtain the medicinal juice, and remove the dregs. First, cook congee with japonica rice, and when the congee is almost done, add the medicinal juice and cook it into a thin congee for consumption.

[Explanation of Congee Efficacy] Saposhnikoviae Radix is the root of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk. from the Apiaceae family. Among the commercial products, those produced in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, and eastern Inner Mongolia are called “Guan Saposhnikoviae Radix”, which is of the best quality, with Heilongjiang having the largest output. It has a slightly fragrant odor and a slightly sweet taste. The high-quality ones are characterized by thick and sturdy root strips, fine and tight skin, no hairy tops, a brown ring in the cross-section, and a light yellow center.

Fangfeng, as the name suggests, is a medicinal herb with the functions of dispelling wind and relieving pain. It can not only expel wind-cold to helps with occasional exterior pathogens but also eliminate wind-dampness to stop pain. As Li Dongyuan, one of the Four Great Masters of the Jin-Yuan period, said, “Fangfeng supports pain throughout the body.” Ben Cao Hui Yan also records, “Fangfeng is a medicinal herb that dispels wind-cold-dampness arthralgia.” Ben Cao Zheng Yi further states that it “can comprehensively supports all types of wind pathogens and is the principal medicinal herb for wind-related wellness.” Based on clinical experience, Fangfeng is slightly warm in nature and not drying, with a relatively mild medicinal property and weaker potency. Therefore, combining it with Congbai (scallion white) to assist in its function of dispelling wind and relieving pain can enhance the therapeutic effect. The ancients believed that “Fangfeng, when combined with Congbai, can act throughout the body,” which is also based on empirical experience. Cooking Fangfeng and Congbai together with rice to make porridge truly complements each other and doubles the therapeutic efficacy. According to Qian Jin Yue Ling, “In the first lunar month, use Fangfeng to dispel wind from the limbs: Take two large portions of Fangfeng, boil it to extract the juice, and make porridge with it.” The so-called “wind in the limbs” can be understood as migratory aches and pains in the limb joints caused by wind-cold.

[Precautions] Fangfeng porridge (porridge made with Radix Saposhnikoviae) is a mild porridge for dispelling cold and is suitable for elderly, young, and debilitated patients. If the exposure to wind-cold is severe, three slices of ginger can be added for cooking together. Fangfeng porridge should be consumed while hot, and it is better to have a slight perspiration.

[Reference Materials]

[Jisheng Milan]: “For supports epidemic wellness with headache and fever: Two leeks with roots. Cook them with rice to make porridge, add a little vinegar, eat it hot to induce sweating for relief.”

[Porridge Recipes · Porridge Type VII · Herbal Category]: “Fangfeng porridge supports headache caused by wind pathogen.”

Q1: How to make Fangfeng porridge with Radix Saposhnikoviae?

A1: To make Fangfeng porridge with Radix Saposhnikoviae, combine 10-15 grams of Radix Saposhnikoviae, two stalks of scallion, and 30-60 grams of coix seed. Simmer the Radix Saposhnikoviae in water to extract its essence, then add the scallion and coix seed to cook into a porridge, following the traditional method. This recipe, attributed to Sun Simiao from the Qian Jin Yue Ling, is designed to dispel wind and alleviate exterior imbalances.

Q2: What is the Fangfeng porridge recipe by Sun Simiao from Qian Jin Yue Ling?

A2: The Fangfeng porridge recipe by Sun Simiao from Qian Jin Yue Ling calls for 10-15 grams of Radix Saposhnikoviae, two stalks of scallion, and 30-60 grams of coix seed. These ingredients are prepared by decocting the Radix Saposhnikoviae first, then adding scallion and coix seed to create a porridge that dispels wind and helps with exterior symptoms. This historical prescription is valued for treating wind-cold type common colds.

Q3: Is Fangfeng porridge safe for daily consumption?

A3: Fangfeng porridge is not recommended for daily consumption without professional guidance, as it is a medicinal food with strong properties suited for specific conditions like wind-cold common colds. Overuse may lead to imbalances, so it should be used only when symptoms such as aversion to cold or headache are present. Consulting a healthcare provider is advised before incorporating it into a daily routine.

Q4: What are the indications and effects of Fangfeng porridge?

A4: Fangfeng porridge is indicated for wind-cold type common colds, helping to dispel wind and support the exterior, while also dispersing cold and alleviating pain. It is effective for symptoms like fever, aversion to cold, spontaneous sweating, headache, and body pain. The recipe from Sun Simiao’s Qian Jin Yue Ling emphasizes its role in restoring balance during early-stage colds.

Q5: How does Fangfeng porridge help with wind-cold type common cold?

A5: Fangfeng porridge helps with wind-cold type common cold by using Radix Saposhnikoviae to dispel wind and strengthen the exterior, while scallion and coix seed assist in dispersing cold and reducing pain. It addresses symptoms such as fever, aversion to wind, and body aches, making it suitable for early intervention. This traditional recipe from Sun Simiao targets the underlying imbalance of wind-cold invasion.