Cherokee Rose Fruit Porridge

[Records on Dietary Differentiation]

[Porridge Composition] 10-15 grams of Rosa laevigata Michx fruit, 1-2 liang of japonica rice or glutinous rice.

[Efficacy and Indications] Astringent, stabilizing essence, and stopping diarrhea. Applicable for spermatorrhea, nocturnal emission, enuresis, frequent urination, chronic diarrhea due to Spleen deficiency, leukorrhea in women, and uterine prolapse.

[Decoction Method] First, decoct Rosa laevigata Michx. to obtain a concentrated juice, strain out the dregs, and then cook the juice with japonica rice or glutinous rice to make porridge.

[Explanation of Congee Efficacy] Rosa laevigata Michx, known as cilizi (thorn pear) or jinyingzi (golden cherry) in ancient times, is distributed in most regions of China. In Jiangsu, it is called “wild pomegranate” or “sugar orange” by locals; in Zhejiang, it is referred to as “jinhu ping” (golden flask); in Guizhou, it is known as “binlang guo” (betel nut fruit) or “fengtang guan” (honey jar); and in Guangxi, it is also called “huangcha ping” (yellow tea flask), among other names.

According to the records in traditional Chinese medical literature, Rosa laevigata Michx. tastes sour and astringent, is neutral in nature and non-toxic, and enters the Kidney, bladder, and large intestine meridians. Shuben Cao (Materia Medica of Shu Kingdom) states that it can “supports chronic diarrhea due to Spleen deficiency, stop frequent urination, and astringe essence and qi.” Diannan Bencao (Materia Medica of Southern Yunnan) mentions that it can “supports chronic diarrhea, metrorrhagia and leukorrhea, and helps maintain seminal emission and leakage.” Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Spleen qi deficiency leads to persistent diarrhea, bladder deficiency-cold results in urinary incontinence, and Kidney qi deficiency causes involuntary seminal emission. Since Rosa laevigata Michx. enters these three meridians and astringes the qi of collapse, it has a good therapeutic effect on the aforementioned conditions.

Modern research has found that the main components of Rosa laevigata Michx. are citric acid, malic acid, tannins, vitamin C, and it is also rich in carbohydrates. It has the effect of lowering blood lipids. According to clinical reports, in the supports of 203 cases of uterine prolapse with Rosa laevigata Michx. taken orally alone, with a course of supports lasting 3 days and administered once every 3-day interval, the effective rate reached 76%. It can be seen that the record in Dietetic Discrimination, Volume II by Zhang Mu of the Qing Dynasty: “Rosa laevigata Michx. porridge. First, boil Rosa laevigata Michx. to make a concentrated juice, filter out the dregs with a cloth, and then add rice to make porridge. It is mainly used for Kidney deficiency with spermatorrhea, diarrhea with prolapse of the rectum, and failure of the uterus to retract after childbirth in women (referring to uterine prolapse)”, is indeed based on experience.

In addition, Cherokee rose fruit is purely an astringent herb and does not have the effects of invigorating the Spleen and tonifying the Kidney. In specific applications, if some Chinese yam and gorgon fruit are added to cook porridge together, the therapeutic effects on signs of imbalance such as spermatorrhea, enuresis, chronic diarrhea and dysentery, and excessive leucorrhea in women will be more satisfactory.

[Precautions] Rosa laevigata Michx. porridge should be taken as a course of supports lasting 2 to 3 days, with two warm servings per day. It is not suitable for consumption during a cold or for patients with fever.

Q1: What is Cherokee rose fruit porridge good for?

A1: Cherokee rose fruit porridge is primarily good for astringent, stabilizing essence, and stopping diarrhea. It is traditionally used to address conditions such as spermatorrhea, nocturnal emission, enuresis, frequent urination, chronic diarrhea due to Spleen deficiency, leukorrhea, and uterine prolapse.

Q2: How to make Cherokee rose fruit porridge?

A2: To make Cherokee rose fruit porridge, first decoct 10-15 grams of Rosa laevigata Michx fruit to obtain a concentrated juice, then strain out the solids. Combine this juice with 1-2 liang of japonica rice or glutinous rice and cook until the porridge is thick and smooth.

Q3: What are the benefits of Cherokee rose fruit porridge?

A3: The benefits of Cherokee rose fruit porridge include its astringent properties that help stabilize essence, reduce spermatorrhea and nocturnal emission, and alleviate chronic diarrhea. It is also beneficial for managing enuresis, frequent urination, leukorrhea, and uterine prolapse by tonifying the Spleen and consolidating bodily fluids.

Q4: Can I eat Cherokee rose fruit porridge every day?

A4: Eating Cherokee rose fruit porridge every day is not generally recommended without professional guidance, as its astringent nature may lead to constipation or disrupt digestive balance if used excessively. It is best reserved for short-term therapeutic use under the advice of a qualified practitioner.

Q5: Is Cherokee rose fruit porridge effective for diarrhea?

A5: Yes, Cherokee rose fruit porridge is effective for chronic diarrhea due to Spleen deficiency, as its astringent properties help reduce bowel frequency and consolidate stools. However, it may not be suitable for acute infectious diarrhea, so proper diagnosis is advised.

Q6: What are the side effects of Cherokee rose fruit porridge?

A6: Potential side effects of Cherokee rose fruit porridge include constipation or a feeling of fullness, especially if consumed in large amounts or for prolonged periods. Individuals with constipation or damp-heat conditions should use caution and consult a healthcare professional before regular consumption.

Q7: How much Cherokee rose fruit should I use for porridge?

A7: For Cherokee rose fruit porridge, use 10-15 grams of dried Rosa laevigata Michx fruit and 1-2 liang (approximately 50-100 grams) of japonica rice or glutinous rice. Adjust the water amount to achieve a desirable consistency, typically simmering until the grains are fully cooked.