Dodder Seed Congee

[Porridge Recipes]

[Porridge Composition] 30 to 60 grams of Cuscutae Semen (if fresh, 60 to 100 grams can be used), 2 liang of japonica rice, and an appropriate amount of white sugar.

[Efficacy and Indications] Tonify the Kidney and replenish essence, nourish the Liver and improve eyesight. Applicable for lumbago and knee pain, weakness and lack of strength in the legs and feet, impotence, spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, frequent urination, residual urine after urination, dizziness and blurred vision, tinnitus and deafness caused by deficiency of the Liver and Kidney, as well as leukorrhea and habitual abortion in women.

[Decoction Method] First, wash the dodder seeds and crush them, or use 60 to 100 grams of fresh dodder seeds, crush them, add water to decoct and extract the juice, remove the dregs, then add rice to cook into porridge. When the porridge is almost done, add white sugar and cook for a short while before serving.

[Explanation of Congee Efficacy] Dodder seed is the mature seed of the annual parasitic herbaceous plant Cuscuta chinensis Lam. of the Convolvulaceae family. Since dodder seed mostly parasitizes on soybean stalks, it is also known as “bean-entwining vine” or “bean parasite”. The best quality is characterized by plump grains, a grayish-yellow color, and the absence of impurities. It is distributed in most regions of China, primarily produced in Liaoning, Jilin, Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Jiangsu, and other places.

According to the literature of traditional Chinese medicine, dodder seed (Cuscutae Semen) is sweet in taste and neutral in nature, and enters the Liver and Kidney meridians. As early as in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, the first pharmaceutical monograph in China, it was classified as a “superior” medicinal material due to its tonifying and strengthening effects without toxicity. It is stated that “dodder seed replenishes deficiencies, boosts qi and strength, and nourishes the body. Long-term use improves eyesight, lightens the body, and prolongs life.” Since dodder seed is soft, moist, and rich in fluid, neither warm nor dry, and tonifying without being cloying, it functions to nourish the Liver and Kidneys. It is a medicinal herb that tonifies both yin and yang in a balanced way and can be used regardless of whether the condition is Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidney yang deficiency. Its effects of “improving eyesight, lightening the body, and prolonging life” have been highly valued by medical practitioners throughout history. For example, Huang Gongxiu, a renowned physician in the Qing Dynasty, explained that “the reason for improved eyesight, a lighter body, and prolonged life after long-term use is that the eyes can see due to blood, the Liver opens into the eyes, the pupil’s divine light belongs to the Kidneys. When the Liver and Kidneys are substantial, the eyes will naturally be clear. When the organs are substantial and the essence is full, the body will naturally be light, and longevity is certain.” No wonder many traditional Chinese patent medicines for prolonging life in ancient times, such as “Yan Ling Guang Si Wan”, “Shen Xian Yi Shou Jiu”, and “Chang Sheng Bu Lao Dan”, contained dodder seed as an ingredient. Cooking dodder seed with japonica rice to make porridge can also enhance its effect of tonifying the Spleen and stomach. Therefore, it is stated in Zhou Pu · Zhou Pin Liu · Hui Yao Lei that “dodder seed porridge replenishes defensive qi.” For middle-aged and elderly people with deficiencies in the Liver, Kidneys, Spleen, and stomach, who are weak, debilitated, and emaciated, regularly consuming dodder seed porridge is quite beneficial for tonifying and strengthening the body, promoting health, and prolonging life.

In addition, for pregnant women with a history of habitual abortion, regularly consuming Cuscutae Semen congee after conception can help nourish the Kidneys and helps maintain miscarriage.

[Precautions] Dodder Seed Porridge is a mild tonic and strengthening medicinal porridge. To achieve the expected effects, it must be consumed consistently over a long period. Take it as a 7 to 10-day course of supports, consuming it twice daily, in the morning and evening. Then, resume consumption every 3 to 5 days.