Health Preservation through Food Appraisal
[Porridge Composition] 2-4 grams of Piper longum L., 1-3 grams of Piper nigrum L., 2 liang (100 grams) of japonica rice.
[Efficacy and Indications] Warming the middle-jiao, dispersing cold, and relieving pain. Applicable for vomiting due to stomach cold, poor appetite, epigastric and abdominal pain, borborygmus and diarrhea.
[Decoction Method] First, grind Piper longum L. (Bibo) and Piper nigrum L. (Hujiao) into an extremely fine powder. Cook glutinous rice into porridge, and after it starts boiling, add the above two medicinal powders, then continue cooking until it becomes a thick and sticky porridge.
[Explanation of Congee Efficacy] Both cubeb (Piper longum L.) and pepper are commonly used herbs for warming the middle and dispersing cold, supports interior cold wellness. Cubeb is the immature fruit cluster of Piper longum L., a plant from the Piperaceae family. It has a unique aroma and a pungent taste. The best quality cubeb is plump, firm, and has a strong flavor. It is mainly produced in Yunnan and Guangdong provinces in China, and also in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam abroad. In traditional Chinese medicine, cubeb is considered to be extremely pungent and hot yet non-toxic, specifically entering the Spleen and stomach meridians. It can warm the stomach, disperse cold, descend qi, and helps with occasional pain. Therefore, it is stated in “Supplement to Compendium of Materia Medica” that cubeb “dispels cold qi in the stomach and intestines, supports vomiting, and helps with occasional fullness and pain in the chest and abdomen.”
Pepper comes in black and white varieties. When the fruits at the base of the pepper spike just begin to turn red, they are cut off, dried in the sun or by heating, turning blackish-brown, and are commonly known as “black pepper”. The superior quality is characterized by large, plump, black, wrinkled-skinned grains with a strong aroma. If the fruits turn red and, after harvesting, are soaked in water for several days, then the outer pericarp is rubbed off and they are dried in the sun, their surface turns grayish-white, and they are called “white pepper”. The good quality is indicated by large, round, white, firm grains with a strong aroma. In China, pepper is not only an excellent seasoning used to enhance appetite but has also long been used for medicinal purposes. According to traditional Chinese medical literature, pepper enters the stomach and large intestine meridians and has functions similar to those of cubeb. It can warm the middle and direct qi downward, supports cold syndromes of the gastrointestinal tract, such as cold pain in the epigastrium and abdomen, nausea, vomiting of clear fluid, diarrhea, and cold dysentery. Therefore, cooking porridge with cubeb and pepper together has a strong effect in warming the middle and dispersing cold. Moreover, when combined with rice and consumed as porridge, it can also warm the middle and replenish deficiency, strengthen the Spleen, and warm the stomach. At the same time, it allows the cold-dispersing effects of cubeb and pepper to be gradually exerted, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy. There are numerous records in our ancestors’ medical literature regarding the use of cubeb porridge for dietary therapy. For example, in Qing Dynasty, He Kedong’s Yangsheng Shijian (Volume II), it is stated: “Cubeb porridge supports cold qi. Take two he of ground cubeb, one he of pepper, and four he of rice, cook into porridge, and consume it on an empty stomach.”
[Precautions] Piper longum porridge is a medicinal porridge with strong pungency and heat. It is contraindicated in all cases of excess heat syndromes and Yin Deficiency with fire. For patients with internal cold syndromes, one course of supports generally lasts 3 to 5 days, and the porridge should be taken warm in the morning and evening.
[Reference Materials]
[Prescriptions from the Great Peace for Benevolent Relief · Volume 96 · Various Prescriptions for supports Heart and Abdominal Pain through Dietary Therapy]: “For supports cold qi in the Heart, often causing stabbing pain, abdominal distension, and qi fullness, the recipe for Piper longum L. porridge. One part Piper longum L., pepper, dried ginger (processed and chopped), Areca catechu L., and Cinnamomum cassia Presl, each one part; three sheng of millet. Grind the above five ingredients into a powder. Use two large bowls of water to cook the porridge. When the rice is cooked, add three qian of the medicinal powder, stir well, and consume it on an empty stomach daily.”
[Shiyi Xinjian · On Various Prescriptions for supports Cold Pain in the Heart and Abdomen with Dietary Therapy]: “For supports cold qi stabbing pain in the Heart and abdomen, abdominal distension with inability to eat, the recipe for Piper Longum L. porridge. Take Piper Longum L., Piper nigrum L., and Cinnamomum cassia Presl, one fen each, grind them into powder. Take three he of rice, cook it into porridge, add the powder of Piper Longum L. and others, stir well, and consume it on an empty stomach.”
Compendium of Materia Medica: “Pepper porridge supports abdominal and Heart pain.”
Q1: What is piper longum L porridge good for?
A1: Piper longum L porridge is traditionally used to warm the middle-jiao, disperse cold, and relieve pain. It is particularly effective for symptoms such as vomiting due to stomach cold, poor appetite, epigastric and abdominal pain, and borborygmus with diarrhea, making it a valuable remedy in health preservation through food appraisal.
Q2: How to make piper longum porridge?
A2: To make piper longum porridge, first grind 2-4 grams of Piper longum L and 1-3 grams of Piper nigrum L into an extremely fine powder. Cook 100 grams of japonica rice in water until it becomes a thick porridge, then stir in the powdered spices and simmer for a few minutes. Serve warm to maximize its digestive and warming benefits.
Q3: What are the health benefits of piper longum porridge?
A3: Piper longum porridge offers significant health benefits, including warming the digestive system, alleviating cold-related stomach pain, and improving appetite. It helps treat vomiting and diarrhea caused by stomach cold, reduces abdominal discomfort, and supports overall digestive health through its warming and pain-relieving properties.
Q4: Who should consider consuming piper longum L porridge?
A4: Individuals suffering from stomach cold symptoms such as vomiting, poor appetite, epigastric pain, borborygmus, and loose stools may benefit from piper longum L porridge. It is also suitable for those seeking a natural, warming remedy to improve digestion and alleviate cold-induced abdominal discomfort, as part of a balanced diet.
Q5: Can piper longum porridge help with diarrhea?
A5: Yes, piper longum porridge can help with diarrhea, particularly when it is caused by stomach cold with symptoms like borborygmus and abdominal pain. Its warming and astringent properties help soothe the digestive tract, reduce excessive bowel movements, and restore digestive balance when consumed as part of a regular diet.
Interesting, I’ve never thought of adding long pepper to porridge! Usually just use black pepper for warming,
Interesting recipe! I’ve used black pepper in congee before for cold days, but adding long pepper sounds like a great twist for deeper warmth. Has anyone tried it with a bit of ginger or dates to balance the spiciness? Would love to hear how it turned out.