Hovenia Dulcis Porridge

Discourses for the Aged

[Ingredients of the Porridge] 10 to 15 grams of Euonymus alatus, 30 to 60 grams of japonica rice.

[Indications and Effects] helps with occasional restlessness and thirst, detoxifies alcohol. Suitable for alcohol intoxication, feverish restlessness, and thirst.

[Decoction Method] First, decoct Hovenia dulcis Thunb. to obtain a concentrated juice, strain out the dregs, then add polished round-grained rice to cook into a thin porridge.

[Explanation of Congee Significance] Hovenia dulcis Thunb. is the fruit with fleshy fruit stalks of the Rhamnaceae plant Hovenia acerba Lindl. It exists in both wild and cultivated forms and is distributed in most regions of China. It has numerous synonyms, including jiju zi, mumi, wanshou guo, tianbanye, shili, jigou zi, and over forty other names.

Hovenia dulcis Thunb. tastes sweet and sour, is neutral in nature and non-toxic, which is related to its high content of glucose and calcium malate. Ancient Chinese medical practitioners knew early on that it had the functions of relieving alcohol intoxication and quenching thirst, and had been using it to supports excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged alcohol-induced unconsciousness, and diabetes insipidus. For example, Supplement to Compendium of Materia Medica records that it “quenches thirst, dispels restlessness, moistens the five internal organs, promotes urination and defecation, removes heat from the diaphragm, and has effects similar to honey.” Yunnan Materia Medica states that it “supports all types of left-sided or right-sided paralysis, rheumatism-induced numbness, and can detoxify alcohol.” Regarding the effects of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. in supports diabetes insipidus and detoxifying alcohol, there is such a discussion in Su Dongpo’s collected works: A person suffered from diabetes insipidus, drinking a large amount of water every day, with a greatly increased appetite and abnormally frequent urination. After taking medications for diabetes insipidus for more than a year, not only was there no improvement, but the condition worsened, and the person thought they were going to die. At that time, Su Dongpo advised the patient to seek supports from a doctor named Zhang Gong in Sichuan. Doctor Zhang only used two herbs, musk and Hovenia dulcis Thunb., to helps with occasional the patient’s suffering. It turned out that based on the analysis of the condition, Doctor Zhang believed that the patient’s condition was caused by “excessive consumption of fruits, alcohol, and other substances, leading to the accumulation of heat in the Spleen. Musk can counteract the effects of alcohol, fruits, flowers, and trees, and Hovenia dulcis Thunb. is also effective against alcohol. If this tree grows outside a house, the wine brewed inside the house is often not of good quality. Therefore, these two substances are used as medication to remove the toxicity of alcohol and fruits.” This shows that the ancient people had a profound understanding of the alcohol-detoxifying effects of Hovenia dulcis Thunb.

Cooking porridge with Hovenia dulcis Thunb. is suitable for both acute and chronic alcohol poisoning. Qing Dynasty’s Cao Tingdong recorded in [Yong Lao Heng Yan, Volume Five]: “Hovenia dulcis Thunb. porridge. It dispels restlessness, clears heat, and is particularly effective in resolving alcohol toxicity. It is quite appropriate to consume this porridge on an empty stomach the morning after getting drunk.”

[Precautions] For long-term drinkers, Hovenia dulcis porridge can be consumed intermittently at will, offering many benefits. In case of excessive drinking, it can be eaten on an empty stomach at one sitting to sober up from drunkenness.

Q1: What are the benefits of Hovenia dulcis porridge for elderly digestion?

A1: Hovenia dulcis porridge supports elderly digestion by gently soothing the stomach and promoting regular bowel movements. Its natural compounds help alleviate occasional restlessness and thirst, which often accompany digestive discomfort in seniors. Incorporating this porridge into a balanced diet can aid in detoxifying the body and improving overall gut health.

Q2: How to make Hovenia dulcis porridge for seniors?

A2: To make Hovenia dulcis porridge for seniors, first decoct 10 to 15 grams of Hovenia dulcis (raisan) in water to obtain a concentrated juice, then strain out the dregs. Add 30 to 60 grams of japonica rice to the juice and cook over low heat until it becomes a thin, easily digestible porridge. This method ensures the active components are fully extracted for maximum benefit.

Q3: What is the Hovenia dulcis porridge recipe for old age health?

A3: The Hovenia dulcis porridge recipe for old age health involves combining 10 to 15 grams of dried Hovenia dulcis with 30 to 60 grams of polished round-grained japonica rice. Begin by simmering the Hovenia dulcis in water to produce a concentrated decoction, then strain and use this liquid to cook the rice into a thin, smooth porridge. This preparation is traditionally recommended for supporting liver detoxification and alleviating thirst and restlessness in the elderly.

Q4: Can Hovenia dulcis porridge help with alcohol detoxification in the elderly?

A4: Yes, Hovenia dulcis porridge is traditionally used to help detoxify alcohol and reduce associated symptoms like feverish restlessness and thirst in older adults. Its active compounds support liver function and promote the elimination of toxins. Regular consumption may aid recovery from occasional alcohol overindulgence while being gentle on the aging digestive system.

Q5: Why is Hovenia dulcis porridge recommended for restlessness and thirst in older adults?

A5: Hovenia dulcis porridge is recommended for restlessness and thirst in older adults because of its cooling and hydrating properties. The herbal decoction helps calm the mind and quench excessive thirst, which are common concerns in aging individuals. Combined with easily digestible rice, this porridge provides nourishment while addressing these discomforts naturally.