Jinqiancao Baiye Tang: Medicinal Soup for Urinary Stones & Health

Introduction to Medicated Diet

Jinqiancao Baiye Tang (Lysimachia christinae and Tripe Soup) is a classic folk medicinal food with a long history, elaborately simmered with Jinqiancao (Lysimachia christinae, Chinese Loosestrife) which helps maintain the body’s natural cooling and moisture balance, and Baiye (tripe, either pork or beef tripe) which supports digestive wellness and nourishes the stomach. Jinqiancao is cool in nature, sweet and bland in taste, and enters the Liver (LR), Gallbladder (GB), Kidney (KI), and Bladder (BL) meridians; it has long been an important herb in TCM for supporting urinary tract health. Baiye (tripe) is neutral in nature, sweet in taste, and enters the Spleen (SP) and Stomach (ST) meridians; its function is to support overall vitality and strengthen the spleen and stomach. The combination of the two—one clearing (draining) and one tonifying—employs both attack and supplementation, creating a characteristic soup that possesses both nutritional value and dietary benefits.

This soup has a slightly yellow, clear broth, where the aroma of herbs and meat blend together, offering a rich and savory taste. For those experiencing occasional damp-heat discomfort or seeking to maintain urinary system health, as well as individuals with occasional urinary difficulties or poor appetite, regular consumption of this soup can provide beneficial auxiliary support. It fully embodies the TCM health philosophy of “medicine and food share the same origin” (yao shi tong yuan), skillfully integrating the traditional herbal properties with the nourishing qualities of food, making it a medicinal dietary remedy suitable for all ages—a nourishing therapy that combines wellness with daily care.

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

The core benefits of *Jinqiancao Baiye Tang* (Lysimachia christinae and Bovine Omasum Decoction) lie in helping maintain the body’s natural cooling and moisture balance, as well as promoting urinary tract comfort and normal urine flow. *Jinqiancao* (Lysimachia christinae, Chinese moneywort) strongly supports the body’s natural ability to manage damp-heat in the lower body and encourages normal water passage, providing comfort for occasional urinary challenges such as discomfort during urination or frequent urgency. *Baiye* (bovine omasum) helps strengthen the spleen and support digestive health, boosts energy and nourishes the blood. While supporting moisture balance, it also helps maintain healthy digestive function, preventing overuse of cooling herbs from affecting overall vitality, thereby promoting balanced wellness.

From a modern nutritional perspective, *Lysimachia christinae* (Moneywort) is rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other bioactive compounds, supporting a healthy inflammatory response, normal fluid elimination, and overall urinary function. Tripe (Beef Tripe) provides abundant protein, collagen, and various amino acids, which support immune function and help maintain tissue health. The combination leverages the traditional properties of *Lysimachia christinae* while boosting overall body resilience through the nourishing qualities of tripe, jointly supporting the health of the urinary system.

Modern research evidence

Pharmacological studies indicate that *Lysimachia christinae* (moneywort) can significantly support normal urine output, help maintain healthy urine composition, and support the body’s natural processes for maintaining urinary stone balance, as well as promote the body’s ability to expel small particles. Additionally, *Lysimachia christinae* also supports a healthy inflammatory response, soothing comfort, and antioxidant activity, which can help maintain overall urinary tract comfort. These research findings provide a solid scientific basis for the traditional use of Jinqiancao Baiye Decoction, confirming its unique value in supporting urinary tract health and maintaining normal function.

Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine

In TCM theory, Lysimachia christinae (Japanese Pennywort) primarily enters the Liver (LR), Gallbladder (GB), Kidney (KI), and Bladder (BL) meridians. Its nature is cool, slippery, and downward-moving, supporting the Lower Burner. It can help maintain the body’s natural balance of damp-heat in the Bladder and encourage normal water passage, making it a key herb for supporting urinary comfort. For those experiencing occasional urinary stone discomfort, difficult urination, or stinging sensations due to internal imbalance, Lysimachia christinae acts directly at the site, helping maintain normal function—with remarkable traditional efficacy.

Pork or beef tripe (bai ye) primarily enters the Spleen (SP) and Stomach (ST) meridians. It supports overall vitality, nourishes the Spleen and Stomach, and helps maintain healthy energy and blood. In the Jin Qian Cao Bai Ye Tang (Lysimachia christinae [creeping Jenny] and tripe decoction/soup), tripe serves two functions: first, it nourishes and supports the Spleen and Stomach, supporting the body’s vital energy, so that the formula can help maintain moisture balance without affecting overall vitality, thus preventing prolonged use of cool-natured medicinal food from disturbing the Middle region; second, it follows the principle of “like supports like” (yi zang bu zang). In TCM, it is believed that pig stomach (tripe) can support human stomach health, and therefore it also has a balancing effect on occasional digestive discomfort caused by Spleen and Stomach imbalance.

Compatibility mechanism

Indications

Individuals seeking to maintain urinary system health are the primary suitable population for this decoction, especially those with occasional damp-heat tendencies such as calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate concerns. Common signs include occasional urinary discomfort, difficult or hesitant urination, and abdominal or lower back tension. Regular consumption of this decoction can help support the body’s natural elimination processes, promote comfort, and support long-term urinary health.

Furthermore, individuals with a tendency toward damp-heat (characterized by occasional oily complexion, bitter taste, dark yellow urine, or sticky stool), those with occasional urinary tract concerns, those with Spleen and Stomach imbalance accompanied by damp-heat, and people who experience occasional dark urine or poor appetite during warm seasons when damp-heat is prevalent are also suitable for consuming this soup. As a daily health soup, it also plays a positive role in supporting urinary system health and maintaining normal function.

Contraindicated populations

Those with severe Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency Cold should not consume it. *Lysimachia christinae* (Golden Coin Grass) is cool in nature; if Spleen and Stomach Yang Qi is insufficient, presenting with aversion to cold and cold limbs, epigastric and abdominal cold pain, and loose stools, consumption may aggravate these tendencies. If such individuals need to use it, they should combine it with warming and nourishing substances such as *Zingiber officinale* (Ginger) and *Ziziphus jujuba* (Jujube) to balance its nature, or use it cautiously under the guidance of a practitioner.

Use with caution during pregnancy. Lysimachia christinae (Chinese Loosestrife) promotes fluid elimination and supports urinary tract comfort, and its nature is slippery. Therefore, it should not be used during pregnancy (especially in the first trimester) to avoid affecting fetal stability. Additionally, those allergic to Lysimachia christinae or Bai Ye (Centella asiatica / Gotu Kola), infants, and individuals with extreme debility should use it only under the guidance of a physician. Individuals with renal concerns should be evaluated by a doctor to determine suitability based on the specific condition.

Ingredient proportions in the herbal formula

Dried Lysimachia christinae (Gold Coin Grass) 30g (or 60g if using fresh), tripe (pig or cow) 250g, fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) 3-5 slices (about 10g), red jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba) 3 pieces (pitted), salt to taste, and 1500-2000 ml of water. This recipe serves 2-3 people; adjust the amounts proportionally based on the actual number of servings.

Lysimachia christinae (Jinqiancao) is best when dried, with abundant leaves, green color, and free of impurities. Cow tripe (Baiye) should be selected fresh, with normal color and no off-odor. Fresh ginger (Shengjiang) and jujube (Dazao) are used to support the spleen and stomach, harmonize the properties, making the soup more balanced. The dosage of dried Lysimachia christinae should generally not exceed 30 g, and fresh product not exceed 60 g, to ensure the suitability and safety of the medicinal food.

Cooking method

Step one: Prepare the ingredients. Rinse the beef tripe thoroughly under running water to remove impurities and mucus, then cut into strips or pieces about 2-3 cm wide; set aside. Quickly rinse dried Lysimachia christinae (moneywort) under water to remove dust, place it in a gauze bag and tie the opening tightly for easy removal later. Slice fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) and pit the Chinese dates (Ziziphus jujuba); set aside.

Step two: Blanch to remove fishy odor. Add enough clean water to a pot, place in the beef tripe and 2 slices of ginger (Zingiber officinale). Bring to a boil over high heat and continue boiling for 2–3 minutes. Skim off any foam, then remove the beef tripe, rinse thoroughly with warm water, and drain well. This step effectively helps improve the flavor of the broth, making the soup purer and more aromatic.

Step 3: Simmer into a decoction. Take a clay pot or soup pot, add 1500-2000 ml of water, then add the gauze bag of Lysimachia christinae (golden coin grass), blanched beef tripe, sliced fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale), and jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer gently for 60-90 minutes, until the beef tripe is tender, the soup turns slightly yellow, and the herbal aroma permeates. Five minutes before turning off the heat, add an appropriate amount of salt to season. Remove and discard the gauze bag of Lysimachia christinae. Ladle the beef tripe and soup into bowls and serve.

Drinking Tips

1. It is advisable to drink it warm on an empty stomach or semi-empty stomach to facilitate absorption and benefits. It is recommended to consume it between 9–11 am (the time when the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian (BL) is predominant), as the flow of qi and blood in the Bladder Meridian at this hour may help support the body’s natural processes for urinary comfort and maintenance. A cycle of continuous consumption for 7–10 days is suggested.

During the period of herbal dietary use, the diet should be light. Avoid spicy, greasy, deep-fried, and stimulating foods, and refrain from consuming alcohol and coffee. Drink plenty of warm boiled water daily, maintaining a water intake of over 2000 ml per day. Appropriately increase activities such as jumping and rope skipping, which may support overall urinary health.

3. Jinqiancao Baiye Tang (Lysimachia christinae and Baiye Decoction) is an auxiliary conditioning remedy and should not replace standard medical care or pharmacotherapy. Individuals with urinary calculi should undergo regular follow-up via ultrasound or CT scan to monitor changes. If severe abdominal pain, gross hematuria, fever, or other symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is necessary. It is recommended to use this formula based on individual constitution under the guidance of a licensed TCM practitioner, adjusting the formula according to individual needs.