Pig’s Trotters Porridge

New Book on Longevity and Providing for the Aged

[Porridge Composition] 1 to 2 pig’s trotters, 3 to 5 grams of Medulla Tetrapanacis, 10 to 15 grams of Rhapontici Radix, 2 liang of japonica rice, and two stalks of scallion whites.

[Indications and Actions] Promotes lactation and unblocks the blood vessels. Applicable for postpartum women with insufficient milk production or blocked milk ducts.

[Decoction Method] First, wash the pig’s trotters, split them open and cut into small pieces, then decoct to obtain a thick broth. Next, decoct Medulla Tetrapanacis and Rhapontici Radix to obtain juice and remove the dregs. Then, cook the pig’s trotter broth and the herbal juice together with japonica rice to make porridge. When the porridge is almost done, add scallion whites and cook for a short while before serving.

[Explanation of Congee Efficacy] Pig’s Trotter Congee is an excellent supports for promoting lactation in postpartum women, showing good effects for both insufficient milk production after childbirth and difficulty in milk let-down.

Pig’s trotters, commonly known as pig’s claws, are widely recognized among the people for their lactogenic effect. There are also numerous records in ancient Chinese literature. The Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica mentions that pig’s trotters can “promote the flow of milk in women, smooth the skin, and dispel cold and heat.” The Sui Xi Ju Dietetic Canon also states that pig’s trotters can “replenish Kidney essence and strengthen the waist and feet, nourish stomach fluid to smooth the skin, promote muscle growth to supports chronic sores, aid blood circulation to enrich breast milk, and are even more nourishing than pork.” Sun Simiao, a renowned physician of the Tang Dynasty known as the “Master of Medicine,” also included a proven recipe in his book Qian Jin Fang (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) for supports insufficient milk production by simply decocting and consuming sow’s trotters.

Tetrapanacis Medulla and Rhapontici Radix are both commonly used traditional Chinese medicines for promoting lactation. Tetrapanacis Medulla tastes sweet and bland, is cool in nature and non-toxic, and has two major functions of promoting diuresis and facilitating lactation. For postpartum women with lactation blockage, experienced elders will advise them to drink some Tetrapanacis Medulla decoction to promote lactation. Rhapontici Radix is the principal drug for supports breast wellness in women. Whether it is breast redness, swelling and pain, breast abscess with pus formation, breast tumors, or insufficient lactation with fullness and blockage, Rhapontici Radix has certain therapeutic effects.

The practice of boiling medicine, food, and grains together to make porridge is a valuable dietary therapy experience of ancient medical experts. In Yuan Dynasty, Zou Xuan recorded in Shouqin Yanglao Xinshu (New Book on Health Preservation and Elderly Care) · Volume II · Dietary supports Recipes for Women and Children: “Pig’s Trotter Porridge supports insufficient lactation after childbirth. Take one pig’s trotter, prepare it as for eating, boil it in three cups of water to obtain two cups of liquid, then remove the trotter. Wash and slice the root of Wanggua (Trichosanthes cucumeroides), chop the Mutong (Akebiae Caulis) into pieces, and take one liang each of Loulu (Rhapontici Radix) with its芦头 (rhizome base) removed. Except for the pig’s trotter liquid, roughly pound and sift the above four ingredients. Take three qian (a traditional Chinese weight unit, approximately 9 grams) for each dose. Boil the pig’s trotter liquid (two cups) with the herbs until one and a half cups remain, then strain out the dregs. Add green onions, fermented black beans, five-flavor seasonings, etc., along with half a he (a traditional Chinese volume unit, approximately 0.1 liters) of white rice, and cook into porridge. Consume it as desired.” The root of Wanggua used in this recipe is generally not available in ordinary pharmacies. Although Mutong can promote lactation, it has a bitter taste and is not suitable for making porridge. Considering helps with occasional of consumption, it is more ideal to replace Mutong with Tongcao (Tetrapanacis Medulla) according to the original recipe’s intention.

[Precautions] When used for postpartum conditions, Pig’s Trotter Porridge should be taken warm. In addition to Tetrapanacis Medulla (tong cao) and Rhapontici Radix (lou lu) for promoting lactation, processed Manis Squama (pao jia pian) and Vaccariae Semen (wang bu liu xing) can also be added.

[Reference Materials]

From Shiyi Xinjian: Discussions on Various wellness During Pregnancy and Postpartum Food Therapy Prescriptions for Women: “Prescription for Pig’s Trotter Porridge to supports postpartum deficiency and insufficient lactation. One pig’s trotter, prepared as usual, half a sheng of white rice. Boil until the trotter is tender, then remove the meat and chop it. Add it to the rice and cook into porridge. Season with salt, soy sauce, scallion whites, pepper, and ginger before consuming.”

Q1: What is the traditional Chinese pig trotters porridge recipe for nourishing the aged?

A1: The traditional recipe includes 1 to 2 pig’s trotters, 3 to 5 grams of Medulla Tetrapanacis, 10 to 15 grams of Rhapontici Radix, 2 liang (approximately 100 grams) of japonica rice, and two stalks of scallion whites. This combination is designed to nourish the body, promote blood circulation, and support overall vitality in elderly individuals.

Q2: How does pig trotters porridge contribute to longevity and elderly health?

A2: Pig trotters are rich in collagen and gelatin, which support joint health and skin elasticity, while the herbs like Medulla Tetrapanacis and Rhapontici Radix help unblock blood vessels and improve circulation. This synergy aids in maintaining organ function and slowing age-related decline, aligning with traditional Chinese medicine principles for longevity.

Q3: Can pig trotters porridge help with aging skin and collagen production?

A3: Yes, the collagen in pig trotters is a key component for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles. When combined with the nourishing herbs in this porridge, it may support collagen synthesis and improve skin hydration, offering potential benefits for aging skin when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet.

Q4: How do you prepare pig trotters porridge according to the traditional Chinese method?

A4: First, thoroughly wash 1 to 2 pig’s trotters, split them open, and cut into small pieces. Then, decoct the trotters with Medulla Tetrapanacis, Rhapontici Radix, japonica rice, and scallion whites in an appropriate amount of water until the rice is soft and the trotters are tender. This slow-cooking method extracts nutrients and medicinal properties.

Q5: What are the health benefits of pig trotters porridge for the elderly?

A5: This porridge helps unblock blood vessels, improve circulation, and provide essential nutrients like collagen and minerals for bone and joint health. It also supports digestion and overall vitality, making it a traditional tonic for elderly individuals seeking to maintain strength and longevity.

Q6: Is pig trotters porridge suitable for postpartum women as well as the elderly?

A6: Yes, while the recipe is traditionally used to promote lactation and unblock milk ducts in postpartum women, its nourishing properties—such as collagen for skin recovery and blood vessel support—also benefit elderly individuals. However, those with specific dietary restrictions should consult a healthcare provider before use.