Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Congee

[Prescriptions from the Great Peace Imperial Grace Pharmacopoeia]

[Porridge Composition] Prepared Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata 3-5 g, Dried Zingiberis Rhizoma 1-3 g, 30-60 g of Oryza sativa L. (rice), two stalks of Allii Fistulosi Bulbus, a small amount of Saccharum Granorum.

[Efficacy and Indications] Warm the middle-jiao, tonify yang, dispel cold, and helps with occasional pain. It is applicable for conditions such as insufficient Kidney yang, decline of vital fire, aversion to cold with cold limbs, impotence and frequent urination, weakened Spleen yang with cold pain in the epigastrium and abdomen, loose stools, and cold dysentery. It is also suitable for critical patients with yang qi deficiency presenting with cold limbs due to profuse sweating, severe vomiting, and severe diarrhea, spontaneous cold sweat, a pale tongue with a white coating, and a thin, feeble, and minute pulse.

[Decoction Method] Grind aconite root (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) and dried ginger (Rhizoma Zingiberis) into an extremely fine powder. First, cook glutinous rice into porridge. When the porridge starts to boil, add the powdered medicine along with scallion greens and brown sugar, and continue to cook until it becomes a thin porridge. Alternatively, decoct aconite root and dried ginger to obtain the juice, remove the dregs, and then add the rice, scallion greens, and sugar to cook into porridge.

[Explanation of Congee Efficacy] The herb Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata was first recorded in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. It grows attached to the mother root of Aconitum carmichaelii (black aconite), hence its name. It is mainly produced in Sichuan, Shaanxi, and other regions. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata is pungent and sweet in flavor, extremely hot in nature, and has a certain degree of toxicity. It has the functions of restoring yang, replenishing fire, dispersing cold, and relieving pain. Modern research indicates that it also has the effects of strengthening the Heart and raising blood pressure. It is primarily used for conditions caused by insufficient yang qi in the Spleen and Kidneys, such as aversion to cold, cold hands and feet, cold and clammy limbs, abdominal pain, borborygmus and diarrhea, pale complexion, spontaneous cold sweats, pale and thin tongue coating, weak pulse, as well as all chronic and severe cold-related wellness. As stated in Yi Xue Qi Yuan, “It removes deep-seated cold from the zang-fu organs, supplements insufficient yang qi, and warms and invigorates the Spleen and stomach.” Based on the clinical experience of veteran TCM practitioners, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata can assist the Heart yang to unblock the meridians, warm the Spleen yang to promote healthy movement, and nourish the Kidney yang to enhance fire. It is an important herb for warming the interior and supporting yang. Generally, it is considered most appropriate to use this herb in cases with a thin, weak, or deep and slow pulse, a thin white tongue coating with a pale and enlarged tongue body, no thirst, cold limbs with aversion to cold, and loose stools.

Dried ginger is also a commonly used medicinal for warming the middle and dispersing cold, suitable for conditions such as Spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, vomiting and diarrhea, cold pain in the epigastrium and abdomen, cold limbs with reversed pulse, and feeble pulse. The combination of dried ginger and aconite root (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) in porridge has its herbal composition actually derived from the famous formula “Sini Decoction” by the renowned Han Dynasty physician Zhang Zhongjing. [Taiping Shenghui Fang · Volume 97] records: “For supports cold dysentery and difficulty in eating, aconite root porridge is recommended. Take one fen of processed aconite root (remove the peel and umbilicus), and one liang (divided) of processed dried ginger, chopped. Grind the above herbs into a fine powder. Cook porridge on an empty stomach daily and add the medicine—two qian—to eat until recovery.” Cooking aconite root and dried ginger with rice for consumption not only preserves their medicinal efficacy but also results in fewer side effects and easier absorption. This demonstrates the ingenuity of ancient herbal formula composition.

[Precautions] Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata has slight toxicity. When preparing porridge, processed Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata should be used, and it is advisable to start with a small dose. It should not be consumed by patients with heat syndrome or excess syndrome. Generally, one course of supports lasts for 3 to 5 days, and it should be eaten warm twice a day.

Q1: What is aconiti lateralis preparata congee used for?

A1: Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Congee is used to warm the middle-jiao, tonify yang, and dispel cold, making it beneficial for conditions such as insufficient Kidney yang and decline of vital fire. It is also indicated for relief from occasional pain associated with cold patterns, as described in historical texts like the Prescriptions from the Great Peace Imperial Grace Pharmacopoeia.

Q2: How to make aconiti lateralis preparata congee safely?

A2: To make Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Congee safely, use 3-5 g of Prepared Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, 1-3 g of Dried Zingiberis Rhizoma, 30-60 g of rice, two stalks of Allii Fistulosi Bulbus, and a small amount of Saccharum Granorum. It is crucial to use the prepared form of aconite (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) rather than raw aconite, as the preparation process reduces toxicity, and one should follow traditional dosage guidelines to ensure safety.

Q3: Is aconiti lateralis preparata congee safe to eat?

A3: Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Congee is generally considered safe to eat when prepared correctly using the prescribed processed form of aconite and adhering to recommended dosages. However, it should not be consumed raw or in excessive amounts, and individuals should consult a qualified practitioner before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications, due to the potent nature of the herbs involved.

Q4: What are the ingredients in aconiti lateralis preparata congee?

A4: The ingredients in Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Congee include Prepared Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (3-5 g), Dried Zingiberis Rhizoma (1-3 g), Oryza sativa L. or rice (30-60 g), two stalks of Allii Fistulosi Bulbus (green onion), and a small amount of Saccharum Granorum (malt sugar). This combination is designed to warm the middle-jiao and tonify yang.

Q5: Can aconiti lateralis preparata congee help with kidney yang deficiency?

A5: Yes, Aconiti Lateralis Preparata Congee can help with Kidney yang deficiency, as its warming and tonifying properties address symptoms such as aversion to cold and insufficient vital fire. By warming the middle-jiao and dispelling cold, this congee supports the restoration of yang energy, making it a traditional remedy for such conditions.