Disclaimer: All Chinese herbal teas, Chinese herbal soup, herbal decoctions, TCM dietary therapies, acupuncture, and Tui Na massage featured in this article serve solely as auxiliary wellness support. They fall under the category of dietary and traditional wellness practices rather than formal medical treatment, and cannot substitute for professional medical diagnosis, prescription medication, or clinical therapy. If you have received a diagnosis of colds, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, or any other physical ailment, you must adhere to treatment plans from licensed medical practitioners. Pregnant, breastfeeding, medication-taking or chronically unwell individuals are required to consult a qualified healthcare provider prior to use.
TCM Culture Disclaimer：Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) boasts a development history spanning thousands of years in China. Over 2,000 years ago, during the Warring States to Qin and Han dynasties, Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic) was compiled, establishing a comprehensive traditional theoretical framework for TCM. All TCM terminology, traditional wellness concepts for balancing bodily functions and historical health philosophies mentioned in this article are presented solely for the inheritance, popularization and cultural exchange of traditional Chinese medicine culture. This content shall not be regarded as clinical diagnosis or medical treatment guidance of any kind. Read more
Introduction to Medicinal Diet
Gold Coin Grass and Frog Soup is a classic TCM medicinal diet, skillfully combining the traditional properties of Gold Coin Grass to support the body’s natural cooling and fluid balance with the nourishing and delicious qualities of frog. Gold Coin Grass (dried) is considered to have a slightly cool nature and is associated with the Liver, Gallbladder, Kidney, and Bladder meridians. It is a commonly used herb to support urinary tract wellness. Frog meat is tender and nutrient-rich, traditionally used to support the body’s natural detoxification processes and healthy urinary function. This soup is widely popular in the Lingnan region and is often used to support overall urinary wellness and maintain a balanced internal environment.
When preparing, decoct *Lysimachia christinae* (golden coin grass) in water to obtain the juice, then add fresh frog and stew together. The soup should be clear and bright, with a fresh and sweet taste. *Lysimachia christinae* should be wrapped in gauze to prevent herbal residues from dispersing into the soup and affecting the texture. This medicinal cuisine not only preserves the beneficial properties of *Lysimachia christinae* but also uses the umami of frog to make it more palatable, making it an excellent choice for daily health maintenance.
Potential Benefits of Medicinal Diet
The decoction is traditionally used to support the body’s natural cooling and fluid balance, promote healthy urinary function, and support the body’s natural detoxification processes. *Lysimachia christinae* (Chinese moneywort) may help maintain healthy urine output and support urinary tract health, as well as support a healthy microbial balance. *Rana nigromaculata* (black-spotted frog) supports healthy urinary function and elimination. This soup may help soothe occasional discomfort associated with periodic imbalances.
Modern studies have shown that *Lysimachia christinae* (Chinese moneywort) contains active constituents such as flavonoids, exhibiting properties that support a healthy inflammatory response, normal urine output, and antioxidant activity; *Rana* spp. (frog) is rich in high-quality protein and minerals, which may support immune health. Regular consumption of this soup can help maintain a balanced internal environment and support normal urinary system function. It may be suitable for individuals who frequently consume rich foods or lack physical exercise.
Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinqiancao (Lysimachia christinae) is sweet and salty in taste, slightly cool in nature, and specifically enters the Liver (LR), Gallbladder (GB), Kidney (KI), and Bladder (BL) meridians. Its primary actions are to support the body’s natural cooling and fluid balance, as well as to promote comfortable urinary function. Its effects are traditionally thought to reach the lower body, guiding excess warmth out through the urine. Tianji (Rana temporaria, frog) is sweet in taste and cool in nature, entering the Bladder (BL), Spleen (SP), and Kidney (KI) meridians. It supports the body’s natural cooling and cleansing functions, nourishes vitality, and promotes healthy urinary function. When used together, their cool natures are believed to work synergistically to support these natural processes, while the nourishing effect of Tianji can help balance the more active properties of Jinqiancao.
This decoction also embodies the principle of balancing support and nourishment: *Lysimachia christinae* (Chinese moneywort) is primarily used to support the body’s natural defenses, while *Rana nigromaculata* (frog) is added as an adjuvant to support vital energy. The inclusion of *Zingiber officinale* (fresh ginger) and *Ziziphus jujuba* (Chinese date) supports digestive comfort and helps balance the overall properties, making the formula more harmonious. It is particularly suitable for occasional imbalances with underlying weakness, such as recurrent urinary discomfort in individuals with a less robust constitution.
Suggested Use
Individuals looking to support urinary tract wellness, those experiencing occasional internal warmth (such as dry mouth or sticky sensations), those seeking to support gallbladder and liver health, those wanting to support urinary tract comfort, and people with certain lifestyle factors such as a long history of alcohol consumption or a preference for rich, fatty, and sweet foods may all benefit. Additionally, healthy individuals can take it in moderation during summer or rainy/humid seasons to support a balanced internal environment.
Those recovering from illness or with physical weakness may also consume in small amounts, but care should be taken not to overeat to avoid digestive discomfort. Children and the elderly should reduce the dosage and take it under the guidance of a physician if needed.
Contraindicated Populations
For those with chronic cold sensation in the abdomen and loose stools, it is best avoided, as the cool nature may aggravate these symptoms. Contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as *Lysimachia christinae* (Chinese moneywort) may affect uterine tone, and frog (Rana spp.) may contain parasites. Not suitable for individuals with kidney concerns, so as not to increase the burden on the kidneys. Contraindicated for those allergic to *Lysimachia christinae* (Chinese moneywort) or frog.
Larger deposits that have caused obstruction should not rely solely on this decoction; consultation with a healthcare professional is necessary. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications or other drugs should consult a physician. For children, the elderly, or debilitated individuals, reduce the dosage and monitor for digestive reactions.
Proportion of medicinal food ingredients in the formula
Main ingredients: *Lysimachia christinae* (Gold Coin Grass, dried) 30 g, frog (Rana temporaria) 300 g (about 2–3 whole, skin and internal organs removed). Auxiliary ingredients: Fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 3 slices (about 15 g), Chinese Red Dates (Ziziphus jujuba) 3 pieces (about 10 g), water 1500 ml.
Seasonings: 1-2 g of table salt, 10 ml of yellow wine (optional). *Lysimachia christinae* (Moneywort) should be placed in a gauze bag. The frogs must be fresh and alive, and thoroughly cleaned before being prepared as an ingredient.
Preparation Method
Pre-processing: Rinse *Lysimachiae Herba* (Jinqiancao) thoroughly and place into a gauze bag; skin and gut the frog, chop into pieces, add ginger slices and *Vinum Oryzae* (yellow rice wine), blanch for 1 minute to remove fishy odor, then drain. Soup-making: In an earthenware pot, add 1500 ml of water, place in the *Lysimachiae Herba* bag, ginger slices, and *Jujubae Fructus* (red dates). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Add the frog: Place the blanched frog pieces into the soup and continue to simmer over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes until the meat is cooked. Season: Remove the *Lysimachia christinae* (money grass) sachet, and season with salt to taste. The frog meat can be dipped in sauce for consumption. Note: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process, add salt only at the end, and be sure to remove the *Lysimachia christinae* sachet to avoid bitterness.
Drinking Tips
Best time: Take warm 30 minutes after a meal to avoid irritating the stomach on an empty stomach. Administer 1-2 times daily, with 3-5 consecutive days as one course. Taste adjustment: A small amount of rock sugar or honey dates may be added to offset bitterness; omit for diabetic individuals. Storage method: Prepare fresh and consume immediately. Any leftover decoction should be strained, refrigerated, and reheated for consumption within 24 hours. Do not keep overnight.
Increase water intake: Individuals with occasional urinary concerns should drink at least 1,500 mL of water daily to support normal urinary function; avoid high-oxalate foods such as spinach and beets. Monitor reactions: Discontinue use if diarrhea or abdominal pain occurs after drinking; contraindicated in pregnant women and children; those with weak constitution should consult a physician.
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.
Interesting recipe! I’ve heard of gold coin grass for kidney stones but never thought to pair it with frog soup. Does the frog meat add any specific medicinal benefit, or is it just for flavor? Would love to try this if it actually helps with passing stones naturally!
Interesting! I’ve heard of gold coin grass for stones, but never thought to pair it with frog. Does the frog meat actually make it palatable, or is it more of a medicinal taste? Would love to try this if it works.
Interesting! I’ve used gold coin grass tea before for kidney stones, but never thought to pair it with frog soup. Sounds like a tasty way to get the benefits. Might give this a try next time—anything beats plain herbal tea!
Interesting combo! I’ve tried gold coin grass tea before for kidney stones, but never thought to pair it with frog. Does the soup actually taste good, or is it more of a medicinal thing? Might give it a shot next time I feel a stone coming on—anything beats that pain!
Interesting recipe! I’ve heard of gold coin grass for kidney stones, but never thought to pair it with frog soup. Does the earthy taste of the herb overpower the frog’s flavor? Might give this a try for my recurring stones.