Clear Heat & Moisten Dryness with Rush Pith Bitter Melon Soup

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Juncus effusus (Rush Pith) is the dried stem pith of Juncus effusus L. (Juncaceae). Its nature is slightly cool and its taste is sweet and bland. Since ancient times, physicians have used it to support a calm heart and promote gentle cooling, as well as to encourage healthy urinary function. Momordica charantia (Bitter Gourd), also known as Bitter Melon, is cool in nature and bitter in taste. It supports the body’s natural cooling processes, helps maintain normal vision, and promotes comfort during warm weather. When these two herbs are combined, with the addition of sweet jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) or fig (Ficus carica) to harmonize the bitterness, the resulting soup becomes an excellent choice for supporting overall well-being during the transition between spring and summer, as well as between summer and autumn. This soup is especially popular in Guangdong and Guangxi regions, where it serves as a daily comfort for many families dealing with occasional feelings of internal heat or dry mouth and tongue.

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

The core benefits of the Dengxin Cao Ku Gua Run Zao Tang (Common Rush and Bitter Melon Moistening-Dryness Decoction) are “supporting the body’s natural cooling and moisturizing functions” as well as “promoting a calm and tranquil state of mind.” Its formula combines cooling with moisturizing, and gentle elimination with nourishment, effectively supporting the body’s response to occasional internal warmth generated by dry climate, spicy diet, or accumulated heat from staying up late. Simultaneously, by nourishing fluids, it helps maintain moisture balance, which may alleviate occasional dryness sensations such as dry mouth, throat discomfort, dry skin, and concentrated urine. For occasional irritability or restlessness caused by temporary internal warmth, it also provides a soothing effect.

Additionally, this medicinal food also supports the body’s natural detoxification processes and helps maintain normal vision and metabolic function. The active compounds such as charantin found in bitter melon (Momordica charantia) help support healthy digestion and maintain already healthy blood sugar and lipid levels; meanwhile, Juncus effusus (dengxin cao) supports the elimination of metabolic waste from the body through its gentle diuretic action. Therefore, regular consumption of this soup can not only help alleviate various occasional discomforts caused by temporary internal heat, but also help maintain fluid metabolism balance on a systemic level, and promote overall vitality and well-being.

Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Rush pith (Medulla Junci, Dengxincao) — supports a calm heart and gentle cooling, guides warmth downward.

Juncus effusus (common rush) is sweet and bland in taste and slightly cool in nature. It enters the Heart, Lung, and Small Intestine meridians. According to TCM, the Heart and Small Intestine are interior-exteriorly related. Juncus effusus can support a calm heart and help guide warmth out through urination. Therefore, it is commonly used to promote relaxation and comfort for occasional restlessness and sleep concerns, and to support normal oral comfort. Its action is gentle and not harsh, making it especially suitable for individuals seeking mild support. It serves as a “guiding herb” in clear and moistening medicinal diets.

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) – bitter-cool, supports natural cooling, helps maintain normal vision, and supports detoxification.

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is bitter in taste and cool in nature, and enters the Heart, Spleen, and Lung meridians. Bitterness can support cleansing and gentle elimination, so bitter melon is adept at supporting the body’s natural cooling functions. It is used to promote comfort during occasional feelings of warmth and thirst, and to support digestive wellness. Its vision-supporting effect stems from helping maintain a calm liver, and it provides auxiliary comfort for occasional eye redness or irritation caused by temporary internal warmth. Meanwhile, bitter melon’s detoxification support is manifested in its ability to assist the liver and gallbladder in their natural drainage functions, thereby supporting the body’s detoxification processes.

Pig Bone and Honeyed Jujube — Nourish and Moisturize, Harmonize Ingredients

Pork bone or lean meat is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, capable of nourishing fluids, moisturizing, and supporting overall vitality. In the soup, it functions as an “envoy herb,” providing a nourishing base flavor while moderating the cool nature of Dengxincao (Medulla Junci) and bitter melon (Momordica charantia), thereby promoting balance and comfort for the digestive system. Honeyed jujube or fig (Ficus carica), being sweet and moist, can help moisturize the lungs, support fluid production, and harmonize the bitter taste, making the soup more palatable while enhancing its moisturizing effects. This achieves the formulation goal of “bitter but not harsh, moistening but not greasy.”

Indications

1. For office workers who frequently stay up late or spend long hours in front of computers and mobile phones, leading to occasional feelings of internal warmth—manifesting as restlessness, occasional sleep difficulties with vivid dreams, minor mouth irritations, and concentrated urine—this soup can support a calm mind, promote relaxation, and help maintain internal balance and moisture. 2. In dry seasons or for individuals who are in air-conditioned environments for extended periods and experience occasional dry mouth and throat, or dry skin, this soup can support natural cooling, fluid production, and skin nourishment. 3. For those with mild metabolic concerns who tend to feel warm, moderate consumption under professional guidance may assist in supporting healthy metabolic function.

4. When children or adolescents experience occasional restlessness, difficulty concentrating, night sweats, or minor skin irritations during late spring and early summer—conditions attributed to temporary internal warmth—it is appropriate to consume this soup in moderation, with a reduced dosage and an adjusted proportion of bitter melon (Momordica charantia). 5. For individuals who experience occasional feelings of internal heat—including breath freshness concerns, occasional constipation, or gum sensitivity—after consuming a diet rich in spicy, barbecued, or fried drying-heating foods, drinking this soup can help support the body’s natural cooling and digestive comfort, restoring a cool and refreshed state.

Contraindicated populations

1. Caution in individuals with a tendency toward digestive sensitivity. Those who usually experience occasional stomach discomfort, loose stools, or sensitivity to cool foods may find that the cool nature of *Juncus effusus* (common rush) and *Momordica charantia* (bitter melon) in this soup may temporarily affect digestive comfort. If consumption is desired, it is recommended to add warming ingredients such as *Zingiber officinale* (ginger) and *Ziziphus jujuba* (Chinese date/jujube) to support balance. 2. Pregnant and lactating women should decide on consumption under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, as the cool nature of this soup may be best assessed individually.

3. Individuals with low vitality or a tendency to feel cold, such as those who are constitutionally weak or frequently fatigued, should not use this soup alone, as it is cool-natured. 4. Contraindicated in those allergic to *Momordica charantia* (bitter melon) or *Juncus effusus* (rush pith). 5. For those currently taking warming and tonifying Chinese herbs (e.g., *Panax ginseng*, *Astragalus membranaceus*, *Cervus elaphus* velvet, etc.) or other medications, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to avoid potential herb-drug interactions. Furthermore, when giving this soup to children, reduce the amount of bitter melon appropriately and increase the honey jujubes (*Ziziphus jujuba* processed with honey) to harmonize the flavor.

Ingredient formula ratio

Medulla Junci (Juncus effusus, common rush) 5 g – dried product preferred; if using fresh, increase the amount accordingly. Momordica charantia (bitter melon) 200 g – choose fresh, dark green, thick-fleshed bitter melon, remove pith and cut into pieces. Lean pork or pork bones 300 g – pork shank or pork spine is recommended, as they are rich in collagen and yield a richer broth. Honeyed jujube (Ziziphus jujuba, jujube dates) 2 pieces (approx. 30 g), or substitute with dried fig (Ficus carica) 3 pieces (approx. 25 g) for seasoning and moisturizing. Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) 3 slices (approx. 6 g), to support digestive comfort and balance the cool nature of the ingredients.

According to standard TCM culinary principles, use 1500-1800 ml of purified water or natural spring water to avoid the influence of chlorine from tap water on the soup’s flavor. Additionally, add a pinch of salt (approx. 2 g, for seasoning before serving) and a small amount of cooking oil (approx. 3 ml, for blanching bitter melon). For those preferring a sweeter taste or seeking to enhance lung-moistening effects, optionally add 10 g of dried Lily Bulb (Bulbus Lilii) or 6 g of Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber (Radix Ophiopogonis). The above proportions serve 2-3 persons; for single servings, reduce amounts proportionally.

Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Quickly rinse the Juncus Stem (Medulla Junci) under cold water once to remove surface dust—no need to soak. Wash the Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia), cut it in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to remove the seeds and the white inner membrane (this part is the most bitter). Slice it into crescent-shaped pieces about 2 cm thick. Place the lean pork or pork bones in a pot with cold water, add 1 slice of fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off any foam, then remove and rinse with warm water.

Step 2: Prepare the bitter melon. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt and a few drops of cooking oil. Blanch the bitter melon pieces for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then remove and immediately rinse with cold water. This helps reduce bitterness, maintain a vibrant green color, and remove some oxalic acid, resulting in a milder soup. Wrap the rush (Medulla Junci, Juncus effusus) in a gauze bag (or use directly). Rinse the honeyed jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) and remove the pits. Set aside.

Step three: Make the soup. Place all the prepared ingredients—the blanched lean meat or pork bones, bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) chunks, rush pith (Medulla Junci) bag, pitted honey dates, and the remaining 2 slices of ginger—into a soup pot. Add 1500–1800 ml of water (enough to submerge the ingredients by about 3 cm). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 1.2–1.5 hours. If using an electric slow cooker, select the “soup” mode.

Step 4: Season and serve. Once the soup is done, remove the lid and take out the Medulla Junci (Common Rush) sachet (or the residue). Add a pinch of salt to taste according to personal preference (since the candied jujube already provides sweetness, use less salt). Stir well, then ladle into bowls and drink while warm. Avoid prolonged warming or repeated reheating to preserve the soup’s fresh flavor and optimal benefits.

Consumption Tips

1. Frequency and Timing of Consumption: This decoction is cool in nature; it is recommended to consume 2–3 times per week, and not suitable for daily intake. The optimal drinking time is in the morning or afternoon; avoid consumption in the evening, as its gentle diuretic effect may disrupt sleep. Continuous consumption should not exceed two weeks; a 3–5 day interval before resuming is more appropriate. For children, it is advised to take half a bowl per serving, 1–2 times per week.

2. Compatibility modifications and constitutional adjustments: If the bitterness is too strong, appropriately increase the amount of honeyed jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba) or extend the blanching time for bitter melon (Momordica charantia). For those with a tendency for digestive coolness, add 5–6 slices of fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) and 10 g of goji berry (Lycium barbarum) to the soup to support warmth and comfort. To enhance the lung-moistening effect, add 10 g of washed dried lily bulb (Lilium brownii var. viridulum) 10 minutes before removing from heat. In summer, the soup may be refrigerated before consumption, but those with sensitive stomach and intestines should avoid cold drinks.

3. Reuse and Storage of Ingredients: The pork bones or lean meat used in soup still contain certain nutrients after simmering. They can be removed and eaten with a small amount of soy sauce, but should not be boiled again with the soup for too long. Any leftover soup should be allowed to cool naturally before being refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours. When reheating, the soup must be brought to a full boil; do not drink it cold or simply warm it in a microwave. If the soup develops an off smell or becomes cloudy, it has spoiled and must not be consumed.

4. Precautions for Special Periods: During the menstrual period, it is recommended to discontinue consumption of this decoction to avoid potential discomfort from coolness. In the early stage of a common cold, if symptoms such as chills or clear nasal discharge suggest a cold pattern, it is not suitable for consumption; if symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or yellow phlegm indicate a warm pattern, it may be consumed in moderation. While taking medications, especially those affecting body temperature or tonifying Chinese herbal medicines, it is advised to wait at least 2 hours before drinking this decoction to avoid interactions between properties.