Bo Porridge

[Puji Fang (Universal Relief Prescriptions)]

[Porridge Composition] Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus 10-15 g (30-60 g if fresh), two stalks of Bulbus Allii Fistulosi, 2-3 liang of white wheat flour, or 1-2 liang of non-glutinous rice.

[Indications and Effects] helps with occasional chest oppression and helps with occasional pain, promotes the circulation of qi and stops dysentery. Suitable for acute and chronic dysentery, enteritis, stabbing pain in the chest and hypochondrium, chest obstruction with Heart pain, and as an adjunctive supports for coronary Heart wellness and angina pectoris.

[Boiling Method] First, wash and finely chop Allii Macrostemi Bulbus and Fistular Onion Stalk, mix them with white wheat flour using cold water, then add the mixture to boiling water and cook until done. Alternatively, cook them together with japonica rice to make a thin porridge for consumption.

[Explanation of Congee Efficacy] Allium macrostemon Bunge is the bulb of Allium chinense G. Don or Allium macrostemon Bunge, perennial herbs of the Liliaceae family. It is commonly known as wild garlic or xiebai tou (bulb of Allium macrostemon Bunge), and is sometimes eaten as a vegetable by the folk. It is distributed in most parts of the country. For medicinal use, the large, plump, yellowish-white, and translucent bulbs are preferred.

The clinical application of Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus has a long history in China. In traditional Chinese medicine, Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus is considered pungent in taste, warm in nature, and non-toxic, with the effects of regulating qi, relieving chest oppression, dredging yang qi, and dispersing nodules. It is commonly used to supports chest tightness and Heart pain, including coronary Heart wellness and angina pectoris, as well as diarrhea, dysentery, and tenesmus. The famous prescription “Trichosanthes Kirilowii and Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus Decoction in Wine” created by the great physician Zhang Zhongjing in the Han Dynasty for supports chest痹 (obstruction) pain takes Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus as the main medicinal ingredient. It is quite effective for the condition of “Heart pain radiating to the back” in coronary Heart wellness with angina pectoris.

Cong Bai (Fistular Onion Stalk) is not only a commonly used seasoning but also an excellent herb for promoting yang and stopping dysentery. When combined with Xie Bai (Allium macrostemon Bulb), it can enhance the effects of promoting yang, dispersing nodules, moving qi, and stopping dysentery. The Puji Fang (General Treatise on supports for All wellness), Volume 259, records: “Bo Zhou Fang (Stirred Porridge Recipe). For supports red and white dysentery, intermittent qi dysentery, and chronic cases that do not supports. Take a handful of Xie Bai, remove the roots and finely chop; four liang of white flour; a handful of Cong Bai, remove the roots and finely chop. Mix these with the flour until well combined. Just before the porridge is cooked, use chopsticks to stir the mixture into the pot. Cook until done and consume on an empty stomach.” The so-called “Bo Zhou” (stirred porridge) in this recipe refers to making porridge with white flour and medicinal herbs. Upon examining other recipes for Xie Bai porridge, it is found that they are all cooked with japonica rice and have similar effects.

[Precautions] This porridge is used as an adjuvant therapy for coronary Heart wellness and angina pectoris, and can be taken intermittently while warm; for the supports of enteritis and dysentery, a course of supports lasts 3 to 5 days, and it should be taken warm 2 to 3 times a day; it is not suitable for patients with fever.

[Reference Materials]

[Yang Lao Feng Qin Shu · Recipes for supports Various wellness of the Elderly through Diet, Chapter 14]: “Dietary supports for the elderly with cold and deficient stomach and intestines, where food and water are indiscriminately discharged in diarrhea: Allium macrostemon porridge recipe. Take a handful of finely chopped Allium macrostemon Bunge (common name: Chinese chive), four sheng (a traditional Chinese unit of volume, approximately 200 ml) of japonica rice, and three sheng of finely chopped Allium fistulosum L. var. giganteum Makino (common name: scallion). Combine the above ingredients to make a porridge, add the five flavors (sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and salty), pepper paste, and ginger. Consume on an empty stomach. Regular consumption yields results.”

[Puji Fang · Volume 258]: “Porridge with Ginger Recipe. supports persistent retching with emaciation and weakness, inability to move the body, lack of qi, and sour regurgitation. Also supports red and white dysentery, as well as watery dysentery. Ingredients: Three liang of ginger, extract the juice by grinding; four liang of white flour. Mix with the ginger juice to make porridge, cook and consume it.”

[Eruting Qunfangpu · Volume One]: “Allium macrostemon Bunge porridge. For dysentery with red and white discharges, cook a handful of Allium macrostemon Bunge with rice to make porridge and consume it daily.”

[Shen’s Manual for Nourishing Life · Volume 4]: “Allium macrostemon Bunge porridge supports vomiting. Two stems of Allium macrostemon Bunge, three egg whites, and three sheng (a traditional Chinese unit of volume, approximately 180 ml) of millet.”

Q1: What is bo porridge in traditional Chinese medicine?

A1: Bo porridge, as detailed in the Puji Fang (Universal Relief Prescriptions), is a medicinal congee made from Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus and Bulbus Allii Fistulosi. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote qi circulation and address chest discomfort, including occasional chest oppression and pain.

Q2: How is bo porridge prepared according to the Puji Fang recipe?

A2: The bo porridge recipe from Puji Fang calls for 10-15 grams (or 30-60 grams if fresh) of Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus, two stalks of Bulbus Allii Fistulosi, and either 2-3 liang of white wheat flour or 1-2 liang of non-glutinous rice. These ingredients are simmered together to form a therapeutic porridge.

Q3: What are the benefits of bo porridge for chest discomfort?

A3: Bo porridge benefits chest discomfort by alleviating occasional chest oppression and pain through the promotion of qi circulation. It is specifically indicated for stabbing pain in the chest and hypochondrium, as well as chest obstruction, making it a targeted remedy for such symptoms.

Q4: Is bo porridge effective for digestive issues like dysentery?

A4: Yes, bo porridge is effective for digestive issues as it is indicated for acute and chronic dysentery and enteritis. Its ability to promote qi circulation and stop dysentery makes it suitable for managing these gastrointestinal conditions.

Q5: Is bo porridge a traditional Chinese porridge recipe for chest pain?

A5: Yes, bo porridge is a traditional Chinese porridge recipe specifically formulated for chest pain. Originating from the Puji Fang, it combines Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus and other ingredients to relieve chest oppression and pain by enhancing qi flow.