Motherwort Juice Porridge

[Prescriptions from the Great Peace for Universal Relief]

[Porridge Composition] 10 mL of Leonurus japonicus juice, 40 mL of Rehmannia glutinosa juice, 40 mL of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome juice, 2 mL of Zingiber officinale juice, 10 mL of honey, and 2 taels of Nonglutinous rice.

[Efficacy and Indications] Nourish yin, nourish blood, regulate menstruation, dissipate blood stasis, helps with occasional thirst, and helps with occasional restlessness. It is applicable for signs of imbalance such as fever due to Yin Deficiency, thirst after febrile wellness, diabetes mellitus, hematemesis, epistaxis, hemoptysis, hematuria, hematochezia, irregular menstruation in women, metrorrhagia and metrostaxis (functional uterine bleeding), postpartum syncope due to blood loss, persistent lochia, and abdominal pain due to blood stasis.

[Decoction Method] Wash fresh Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (Chinese motherwort) for boys, fresh Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.), fresh Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (lotus root), and fresh Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) respectively, then mash and wring out the juice. First, cook porridge with japonica rice. When the rice is cooked, add the aforementioned herbal juices and honey, and cook until it becomes thin porridge.

[Explanation of the Congee] Leonurus japonicus Juice Congee originally belonged to the gynecological medicinal congee prescription, used for supports postpartum wellness in gynecology. It is recorded in Taiping Shenghui Fang · Volume 97: “Prescription for Leonurus japonicus Juice Congee to supports postpartum debility, disharmony of qi and blood, abdominal colic, blood晕 (fainting due to blood loss), mental confusion, Heart heat, irritability, and poor appetite. One gō (a traditional Chinese unit of volume, approximately 0.2 liters) of Leonurus japonicus juice, two gō of Rehmannia glutinosa juice, two gō of lotus root juice, half a gō of ginger juice, two gō of honey, and one gō of white millet, rinsed with water and ground finely. First, boil a large cup of water and cook the millet into congee. Then add the various medicinal juices and boil for another two to three boils. Take two gō per serving, three times a day.” Based on the composition and effects of this prescription, it can be used for all conditions of Yin Deficiency and fluid injury, as well as various hemorrhagic wellness.

It is named for the traditional belief that motherwort is beneficial to women and is a commonly used herb in gynecology, especially as an excellent supports for postpartum conditions. According to medicinal experience, the young plant, known as “Tongzi Yimucao” (child motherwort), is preferred. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that motherwort has the functions of promoting blood circulation, nourishing blood, and regulating menstruation. Since “women rely on blood as their foundation,” it is an essential medicine for supports menstrual irregularities and postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis. Ben Cao Meng Quan states: “It expels dead fetuses, stabilizes live fetuses, moves stagnant blood, generates new blood, and supports pediatric malnutrition with diarrhea.” Ben Cao Hui Yan further says: “Motherwort promotes and nourishes blood, moving blood without injuring new blood and nourishing blood without causing blood stasis. It is truly a sacred medicine for blood-related wellness.” Therefore, it is not only used for women but can also be applied to all conditions involving blood stasis and blood deficiency.

Rehmanniae Radix (Sheng Di Huang) can clear heat, cool blood, and promote fluid production. It is a commonly used herb for supports fluid injury in warm wellness, high fever with restlessness and thirst, bone-steaming fever due to consumptive wellness, and various types of heat-induced bleeding wellness. Lotus root juice is sweet and cold in nature, with the effects of clearing heat, stopping bleeding, and dispersing blood stasis. It is suitable for various bleeding wellness. When these three juices are cooked together with japonica rice to make porridge, they can further enhance the effects of nourishing blood, stopping bleeding, nourishing yin, and clearing heat. Since Motherwort juice, Rehmanniae Radix juice, and lotus root juice are all cold and cooling in nature, they are combined with Ginger juice to warm the stomach and replenish the middle energizer, and honey is added for flavoring.

[Precautions] Leonurus Heterophyllus Juice Porridge can be taken warm twice a day, in the morning and afternoon, and should be discontinued once the wellness is supports; it is not suitable for long-term consumption. A sand pot should be used for boiling instead of an iron pot. It is contraindicated for those with loose stools and Spleen deficiency-induced diarrhea. Additionally, during the period of consuming the porridge, one should avoid the “three whites,” namely, scallion white, Chinese chive flower stalk, and leek white.

[Reference Materials]

[Shiyi Xinjian · Various Food Therapy Prescriptions for Pediatric wellness]: “To supports pediatric dystrophic diarrhea and hemorrhoids: Cook porridge with Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (common motherwort) leaves and consume it.”

Q1: What is motherwort juice porridge used for in traditional Chinese medicine?

A1: In traditional Chinese medicine, motherwort juice porridge is primarily used to nourish yin, nourish blood, regulate menstruation, and dissipate blood stasis. It is also indicated for symptoms such as occasional thirst and restlessness associated with imbalances in the body. This medicinal porridge, documented in ‘Prescriptions from the Great Peace for Universal Relief,’ combines motherwort juice with other herbal juices to support overall blood health.

Q2: What are the benefits of motherwort juice porridge for women’s health?

A2: Motherwort juice porridge offers significant benefits for women’s health, particularly in regulating menstruation and alleviating blood stasis. Its blood-nourishing and yin-nourishing properties help address menstrual irregularities and support reproductive health. Additionally, the porridge’s cooling and calming effects can relieve occasional restlessness and thirst often linked to hormonal imbalances.

Q3: Can motherwort juice porridge help with menstrual cramps?

A3: Yes, motherwort juice porridge can help with menstrual cramps due to its ability to dissipate blood stasis and regulate menstruation. The Leonurus japonicus (motherwort) juice in the formula promotes smooth flow of qi and blood, which eases uterine spasms and pain. Combined with blood-nourishing Rehmannia glutinosa and cooling Nelumbo nucifera rhizome juices, it provides comprehensive relief for dysmenorrhea.

Q4: Is motherwort juice porridge safe during pregnancy?

A4: No, motherwort juice porridge is not safe during pregnancy. Motherwort (Leonurus japonicus) is known to stimulate uterine contractions, which can increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Pregnant individuals should avoid this herbal porridge and consult a qualified TCM practitioner for safer alternatives to address any health concerns.

Q5: How is motherwort juice porridge prepared according to traditional Chinese medicine?

A5: Motherwort juice porridge is prepared by combining 10 mL of Leonurus japonicus (motherwort) juice, 40 mL of Rehmannia glutinosa juice, 40 mL of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome juice, 2 mL of Zingiber officinale (ginger) juice, 10 mL of honey, and 2 taels of non-glutinous rice. The ingredients are cooked together to form a congee, which is then consumed as a medicinal porridge. This preparation method is derived from the classic text ‘Prescriptions from the Great Peace for Universal Relief.’

Q6: What ingredients are in motherwort juice porridge and what are their functions?

A6: Motherwort juice porridge contains Leonurus japonicus (motherwort) juice to activate blood and dissipate stasis, Rehmannia glutinosa juice to nourish yin and blood, Nelumbo nucifera rhizome juice to cool blood and stop bleeding, Zingiber officinale (ginger) juice to warm the middle and harmonize the formula, honey to moisten and detoxify, and non-glutinous rice as a base to strengthen the spleen. Together, they regulate menstruation, nurture blood, and relieve restlessness.