Fennel Seed Congee

[Shou Shi Qing Bian]

[Ingredients of the Porridge] 10-15 grams of Foeniculum vulgare (common fennel), 30-60 grams of japonica rice.

[Indications and Effects] Promotes the circulation of qi to helps with occasional pain, strengthens the Spleen and stimulates appetite. It is applicable for inguinal hernia, abdominal distension and flatulence, scrotal swelling and deviation, cold-induced vomiting, reduced appetite, as well as hydrocele, scrotal elephantiasis, incarcerated inguinal hernia, chronic gastritis, weak stomach, gastroptosis with gastrointestinal atony, and insufficient lactation.

[Decoction Method] First, decoct Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (common fennel) to obtain the juice, strain out the dregs, and then add polished round-grained rice to cook into a thin porridge. Alternatively, grind 3 to 5 grams of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (common fennel) into a fine powder and mix it into the porridge before cooking.

[Explanation of Congee Benefits] There are two types of fennel: star anise and common fennel. The former belongs to the Magnoliaceae family, while the latter belongs to the Apiaceae family. Although their effects are roughly similar, common fennel is a better choice for making fennel congee.

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. is a commonly used folk seasoning. Traditional Chinese medicine states that it has the functions of regulating qi, dispersing cold, stimulating appetite, and relieving pain. It is an important medicinal herb clinically used for supports hernia. It is also frequently used to supports signs of imbalance such as vomiting due to stomach cold, abdominal pain and distension, scrotal swelling and pain with deviation, as well as nausea and loss of appetite caused by exposure to cold. Modern research indicates that Foeniculum vulgare Mill. can strengthen the stomach, expel wind, stimulate, invigorate, and also has the effects of promoting lactation and eliminating hernia. This is because fennel is pungent in nature. Consuming it can stimulate gastrointestinal blood vessels, enhance gastrointestinal peristalsis, helps with occasional spasms, promote gas expulsion, stimulate the mind, and promote blood flow throughout the body, thus achieving the effects of expelling wind, dispersing cold, and strengthening the stomach. It can also achieve relatively good results in supports chronic gastritis, gastroptosis with intestinal atony, and other conditions.

According to clinical reports, Foeniculi Fructus (common name: Fennel fruit) is indeed effective in supports intestinal hernia, hydrocele of tunica vaginalis, and scrotal elephantiasis. For instance, some practitioners used Foeniculi Fructus alone to supports 26 cases of incarcerated intestinal hernia, with 22 cases supports and 4 cases ineffective. Clinical observations indicate that the incarcerated contents generally reposition themselves and the pain subsides within about half an hour after medication, with better outcomes observed when the onset time is shorter. If the incarceration does not resolve within about one hour, surgical supports should be considered immediately. Additionally, some institutions have used Foeniculi Fructus to supports 64 patients with hydrocele of tunica vaginalis. The supports was administered in 4-day courses, with intervals of 2 to 5 days between courses, and a second course was given thereafter. After 1 to 6 courses of supports, 59 cases were supports, 1 case showed improvement, and 4 cases were ineffective. For patients with scrotal elephantiasis, most required 4 courses to see results. The supports was generally effective, except in cases where the scrotum was as hard as stone, and no adverse reactions were observed.

Cooking porridge with foeniculum (Foeniculum vulgare Mill., common name: fennel) is a good method used by predecessors in dietary therapy for supports hernia. In the book Shou Shi Qing Bian (Volume II, Secret Recipes for Dietary Therapy) by You Cheng of the Qing Dynasty, it is recorded that: “Fennel porridge can harmonize the stomach and supports hernia. Take roasted foeniculum, decoct it in water, remove the dregs, add rice to cook into porridge and eat it.” In addition to supports hernia, it can also be consumed for all types of cold abdominal pain.

[Precautions] Fennel porridge belongs to the category of medicinal porridge that dispels cold and helps with occasional pain. It should not be consumed by patients with all types of excess-heat syndromes and those with Yin Deficiency and excessive fire. The supports course should last for 3 to 5 days, and it should be taken hot twice a day.

[Reference Materials]

[Dietary Differentiation Records · Volume II]: “Fennel Porridge. It soothes the Liver and harmonizes the stomach, supports chest and hypochondriac distending pain, and unilateral hernia. Grind it into powder and add it to porridge.”

[Dietary Therapy Guideline]: “Fennel Porridge. Dispels cold-dampness, harmonizes the stomach, and helps with occasional hernial pain. Indicated for poor appetite, indigestion, hernial pain, and beriberi. Cook 9 grams of fennel with 3 liang (150 grams) of rice to make porridge.”

[Compendium of Materia Medica · Volume 25]: “Foeniculum vulgare porridge harmonizes the stomach and supports hernia.”

Q1: How to make fennel seed congee?

A1: To make fennel seed congee, combine 10-15 grams of common fennel seeds with 30-60 grams of japonica rice. Cook the mixture in water until the rice is soft and the congee thickens, typically simmering for 30-40 minutes. This simple recipe is a staple in traditional Chinese cuisine and is often consumed warm for digestive benefits.

Q2: What are the benefits of fennel seed congee for digestion?

A2: Fennel seed congee benefits digestion by promoting the circulation of qi, which helps alleviate occasional pain and strengthens the Spleen to stimulate appetite. It is particularly effective for reducing gas and bloating, as fennel seeds have carminative properties that ease flatulence and abdominal distension. This soothing congee supports overall digestive comfort and is a gentle remedy for indigestion.

Q3: What is the traditional Chinese recipe for fennel seed congee?

A3: The traditional Chinese recipe for fennel seed congee involves simmering 10-15 grams of Foeniculum vulgare (common fennel) with 30-60 grams of japonica rice in water until the rice breaks down into a porridge. This preparation is based on classical texts like Shou Shi Qing Bian, which highlight its ability to promote qi circulation and strengthen the Spleen. It is a time-honored remedy for digestive issues such as cold-induced vomiting and reduced appetite.

Q4: Can fennel seed congee help with gas and bloating?

A4: Yes, fennel seed congee is specifically indicated for gas and bloating, including abdominal distension and flatulence. The fennel seeds in the congee work by promoting the circulation of qi and relieving trapped wind in the digestive tract. This traditional Chinese remedy is often recommended for conditions like inguinal hernia and scrotal swelling, as well as general bloating, due to its carminative and antispasmodic effects.

Q5: Why is fennel seed congee used for abdominal distension and flatulence?

A5: Fennel seed congee is used for abdominal distension and flatulence because it stimulates the flow of qi and strengthens the Spleen, which helps reduce gas buildup and discomfort. The fennel seeds contain volatile oils that relax the intestinal muscles and expel gas, making it effective for bloating and cold-induced digestive issues. This traditional Chinese recipe is a gentle yet potent remedy for relieving occasional pain and promoting digestive harmony.