Colla Cornus Cervi Porridge

Compendium of Materia Medica

[Porridge Composition] 15-20 grams of Colla Cornus Cervi, 2 liang of japonica rice, and 3 slices of ginger.

[Indications and Effects] Tonifies Kidney yang, nourishes essence and blood. Applicable for signs of imbalance such as insufficient Kidney qi, emaciation due to deficiency and fatigue, male impotence and premature ejaculation, spermatorrhea, lumbago, uterine coldness in women, infertility, uterine bleeding, and leukorrhea.

[Decoction Method] First, cook the round-grained rice into porridge. After it boils, add colla corni cervi and ginger, and continue to cook together into a thin porridge for consumption.

[Explanation of Congee Efficacy] Deer Antler Glue is a gelatinous block obtained by decocting the antlers of sika deer or red deer from the Cervidae family. The superior quality is characterized by a neat and smooth cut surface, brownish-yellow color, translucency, and the absence of a fishy odor. It is mainly produced in the three northeastern provinces of China, as well as in Beijing, Shanghai, and other places.

According to literature records: Deer Antler Glue tastes sweet and slightly salty, is warm in nature and non-toxic, enters the Liver and Kidney meridians (LR, KI). It is a product from animal parts with vitality, having the functions of nourishing blood and replenishing essence. It is mainly used to supports conditions such as Kidney deficiency and physical weakness, soreness and pain in the waist, impotence, spermatorrhea, uterine cold and dysmenorrhea in women, infertility, and leukorrhea. As stated in Compendium of Materia Medica – Collective Discussions, “Deer Antler Glue is a medicinal substance that strengthens the primordial yang, nourishes blood and qi, generates marrow, and warms the sinews and bones. In ancient times, it was primarily used for supports internal injuries, exhaustion, waist pain, emaciation, and replenishing blood, qi, marrow, sinews, bones, and the stomach and intestines. It supplements the deficient, nurtures the damaged, continues the severed, strengthens the timid, and warms the cold. Being the essence of blood, it possesses greater efficacy compared to the emotionless herbs.” This gives a high evaluation of Deer Antler Glue. In modern times, some also believe that it can “nourish the brain, strengthen the Heart, and supports cerebral edema.” Therefore, consuming Deer Antler Glue boiled in rice porridge has a relatively ideal effect of tonifying and strengthening the body. Li Shizhen of the Ming Dynasty stated in Compendium of Materia Medica – Volume 25, “Consuming Deer Antler Glue in porridge assists the primordial yang and supports various deficiencies.” This is indeed Li’s experienced opinion. If combined with lamb and Cistanche deserticola, which have warming and tonifying effects, to make porridge, its therapeutic efficacy can be enhanced to achieve the goals of helps maintain and supports wellness, and nourishing for longevity.

[Precautions] Colla Cornus Cervi porridge is a warm and tonic medicinal porridge, suitable for consumption in winter and not recommended in summer. It is advisable to take it as a course of supports lasting 3 to 5 days. It is contraindicated for individuals with Yin Deficiency and excessive fire, dry mouth and tongue, yellow urine and constipation, or those with a cold and fever.

[Reference Materials]

[Porridge Recipes · Porridge Variety 8 · Animal Category]: “Elk Antler Frost Porridge, supports lower energizer qi deficiency and coldness, add a small amount of salt flowers.” (Elk antler refers to the antlers of the elk, a deer family animal, with effects similar to deer antlers – editor’s note)

[Quxian Shenyin, Volume II]: “Deer Antler Porridge. Deer antler tastes sweet and is non-toxic. It dispels numbness, boosts vital energy and strength, nourishes the essence and marrow, and strengthens the yin. Take one set of fresh deer antlers, cut them into one-inch sections, and soak them in running water for three days. Scrub and wash to remove the fishy and foul odors. Place them in a sand pot with river water, and plug the mouth of the pot with mulberry leaves to helps maintain air leakage. Boil vigorously over charcoal fire, and check frequently. If the liquid decreases, promptly add hot water. Boil for one day. When the antlers are as soft as cooked taro and can be easily crushed, stop boiling. If they are not soft yet, continue boiling. Be cautious not to let air in, as air leakage will make it difficult for them to cook thoroughly. Take out the antlers and dry them in the sun to make powder. Clarify and filter the liquid until it is clear and cold, then filter it through cotton to make gelatin sheets. Place them in a bowl and dry them in the wind. This is called deer antler gelatin and can be used in medicine. For each bowl of porridge, add five qian of antler powder and one spoonful of salt, stir them together, and take it warm. It is highly effective in nourishing the brain and marrow, replenishing the essence and blood, and consolidating the primordial qi.”

[Shou Shi Qing Bian · Volume II · Secret Recipes for Dietary Therapy]: “Deer Glue Porridge: supports various deficiencies and boosts primordial yang. Add the glue to the porridge while cooking until it melts.”

[Tonics and Dietary Supplements]: “Deer Antler Glue is melted into porridge and taken, 2 to 4 qian each time, for those with Kidney yang deficiency.”