Pumpkin Stem and Fresh Reed Root Decoction

Category: Herbal Tea

Herbal Tea Name: Pumpkin Stem and Fresh Reed Root Decoction

Chinese Name: 南瓜蒂鲜芦根饮

Formula

10 grams of pumpkin stem, 30 grams of fresh reed root, 50 grams of lotus root starch, and 15 grams of brown sugar.

Main Ingredients

How To Make

Wash the pumpkin stems and fresh reed roots, chop them finely or cut into small pieces, place them together in a clay pot, add water and let soak for a moment, then simmer until a thick, viscous broth forms. Strain through clean cheesecloth, return the strained liquid to the clay pot, and over low heat, stir in the pre-mixed lotus root starch and brown sugar until well blended to form a drink.

Efficacy

Clears heat and stabilizes the pregnancy. Suitable for threatened miscarriage due to blood heat.

Usage

Take one dose in the morning and one in the evening.

Commentary

Pumpkin stem stands as the primary (chief) herb, anchoring the herbal tea formula overall action. Fresh reed root (Lu-gen) serves as the deputy herb; cold and sweet in character, it travels through the Lung, Stomach meridians to clear heat and generate fluids. Lotus root starch (Ou-fen) reinforces this deputy action, working to nourish the spleen, calm the spirit and stop bleeding. Finally, brown sugar (Hong-tang) functions as the harmonizing (envoy) ingredient; its role is to warm the middle, activate blood and harmonize the formula and coordinate the herbs. Collectively, the combination clear heat and stabilizes the pregnancy, addressing the blood and heat pattern.

Pumpkin Stem and Fresh Reed Root Decoction，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Clears heat and stabilizes the pregnancy. Suitable for threatened miscarriage due to blood heat.

📖 Related Reading