Longan Pulp Porridge

[Discourses of Longevity]

The author of this book, Cao Tingdong, was a health preservation expert in the Qing Dynasty. Due to “having a weak constitution since childhood, commonly known as child tuberculosis”, he devoted himself to the study of health preservation for a long time and lived to be over ninety years old. Normally, he read extensively, “whenever he came across anything related to health preservation, he would extract it to evaluate its pros and cons”. He believed that the key to health preservation lay in “seeking it from the trivial aspects of daily life such as getting up, lying down, sleeping, and eating, and it was definitely not about the esoteric practices of talking about immortals and elixirs”. At the age of seventy-five, he summarized his own health preservation experiences and compiled the book Lao Lao Heng Yan, which is also known as Yang Sheng Sui Bi by later generations. This book consists of five volumes. The first four volumes discuss health preservation methods for the elderly in terms of their daily clothing, food, housing, and transportation. The fifth volume is a porridge recipe collection, and the porridges listed are all beneficial for the elderly’s recuperation and supports of wellness. Cao had quite unique insights into the study of medicinal porridges. He believed that “porridge is beneficial to people, especially the elderly.” “Some elderly people eat porridge all day long, regardless of meals, and eat whenever they are hungry, which can also make them strong and healthy and enjoy a long life.” He also said, “Do not overeat. It is better for food to be a bit hot. Even if it causes a slight sweat, it is enough to promote blood circulation.” The one hundred medicinal porridge recipes he selected were divided into “three grades” according to “the depth of their effects in recuperation and supports of wellness”. That is, “those with a light, clear, fragrant, and delicious taste are the top grade, those slightly inferior are the middle grade, and those with a heavy and turbid taste are the inferior grade”. He also put forward his own views on the properties of various grains, the selection of water, the heat during decoction, and the dos and don’ts of consumption, which have certain reference value. Longan Flesh Porridge is selected from the “middle-grade” porridge category in this book.

[Porridge Composition] 15 grams of Longan Aril (Arillus Longan), 3 – 5 pieces of Red Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.), 2 liang (100 grams) of Japonica Rice.

[Efficacy and Indications] Nourishes the Heart, calms the mind, strengthens the Spleen, and replenishes blood. Applicable for palpitations and心慌 (Heart fluttering) due to insufficient Heart blood, insomnia, forgetfulness, anemia, diarrhea and edema due to Spleen deficiency, frail and thin constitution, as well as signs of imbalance such as neurasthenia, spontaneous sweating, and night sweats.

[Cooking Method] Take longan with its shell, peel off the fruit skin, remove the pit and take 15 – 30 grams of the flesh (pure longan flesh is also acceptable), and cook it into porridge together with red dates and japonica rice. For patients who prefer sweet food, a small amount of white sugar can be added.

[Explanation of Congee Benefits] Longan, also known as Guiyuan, is warm in nature and sweet in taste, entering the Heart and Spleen meridians. Clinically, it is frequently used for patients with dual deficiency of the Heart and Spleen because Guiyuan has a good effect in nourishing the Heart and tonifying the Spleen. Quanzhou Materia Medica states that Guiyuan can “invigorate yang and replenish qi, tonify the Spleen and stomach, supports postpartum edema in women, edema due to qi deficiency, and diarrhea due to Spleen deficiency.” Longan flesh is a highly nutritious food, containing glucose, sucrose, acids, vitamins A and B, protein, fat, and tannins. It has the effects of nourishing and strengthening the body, calming the nerves, and benefiting the blood. The public considers longan flesh an excellent fruit for invigorating the Spleen and replenishing blood, hence it is called “honey Spleen.” Traditional Chinese medicine regards it as an important medicine for nourishing the Heart and enhancing intelligence, thus it is also known as “Yizhi” (intelligence enhancer). It is suitable for conditions such as anemia, neurasthenia, insomnia and forgetfulness, aging and debility, insufficient qi and blood after wellness or childbirth, and reduced mental capacity. The nutritional value of red dates is also well known to the public. They contain protein, fat, carbohydrates, organic acids, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins B, C, and P. They are a traditional Chinese medicine that nourishes the Heart, replenishes blood, invigorates the Spleen, and benefits the stomach. Cooking congee with Guiyuan, red dates, and japonica rice together can produce a synergistic effect. Lao Lao Heng Yan, Volume Five records: “Longan flesh congee stimulates the appetite and pleases the Spleen, nourishes the Heart and enhances intelligence, enlightens the mind, and calms the five internal organs, with significant effects.” Yin Shi Bian Lu, Volume Two also records: “Longan congee mainly calms the spirit and stabilizes the soul, checks perspiration, and is contraindicated in those with internal heat.” Traditional Chinese medicine holds that “the Heart houses the spirit” and “sweat is the fluid of the Heart.” Patients with Heart deficiency often exhibit signs of imbalance such as palpitations, insomnia, spontaneous sweating, and night sweats. Regular consumption of longan congee can yield good results.

[Precautions] The dosage of longan porridge should not be excessive each time and should be adjusted according to individual appetite. One or two rice bowls can be taken in the morning and evening every day, and it should be taken hot. Excessive intake may cause abdominal fullness and Qi Stagnation. It is contraindicated for those with wind-cold cold, aversion to cold with fever, or thick and greasy tongue coating.

[Reference Materials]

[Porridge Recipes · Porridge Varieties IV · Fruits and Nuts Category]: “Longan porridge calms the spirit.”

[Food and supports · Fruits Category]: “Longan Arillus (Arillus Longan) three qian, Lotus Seed (Semen Nelumbinis) five qian,

Two liang of glutinous rice, cook into porridge and consume it every morning and evening to supports anemia and physical weakness.