Phytolaccae Radix Porridge

[Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies]

The author of this book, Ge Hong (284–364), styled himself Zhichuan and adopted the pseudonym Baopuzi. He hailed from Jurong, Jiangsu Province. A theoretician of Daoism, physician, and alchemist during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Ge served in roles such as advisor and military staff officer. Ge was erudite and versatile, having “extensively read the works of various schools of thought, from classical texts to miscellaneous writings, committing tens of thousands of volumes to memory.” Additionally, he was “fond of Daoist methods for achieving immortality and longevity through breath control and physical exercises, as well as alchemy aimed at prolonging life.” His fundamental philosophy integrated “Daoist practices for cultivating health and achieving immortality internally, with Confucian principles for engaging with society externally.” His work Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang (Handy Therapy for Emergencies) is divided into 51 categories, containing prescriptions without detailed theoretical discussions. It avoids rare medicinal ingredients, emphasizing simplicity and clarity. The book incorporates numerous folk supports and empirically validated formulas, characterized by their accessibility, affordability, and effectiveness. Many of its discussions and treatments for wellness, such as smallpox and scrub typhus, represent some of the earliest records in Chinese and global medical history. Volume 4 of Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang includes a recipe for Shanglu Congee.

[Porridge Composition] Phytolaccae Radix (Shāng Lù) 5-10 grams, Coicis Semen (Jīng Mǐ) 1-2 liang (30-60 grams).

[Efficacy and Indications] Promoting urination and defecation, inducing diuresis to helps with occasional edema. Applicable to edema with abdominal distension, tympanites, including edema due to chronic nephritis, ascites due to Liver cirrhosis, and other conditions.

[Decoction Method] First, decoct Phytolaccae Radix in water to obtain the juice and remove the dregs. Then, add Japonica Rice to the juice and cook it into porridge.

[Explanation of Congee Efficacy] Phytolaccae Radix, known as Zhangliu Root, Jianzhongxiao, or Zhanglu in ancient times. The medicinal part is its root, which has a faint odor, a slightly sweet taste followed by a slight bitterness, and causes a numbing sensation on the tongue after prolonged chewing. It mostly grows in moist places such as under forests, in gullies, and along roadsides, and is distributed in most regions of China. It is mainly produced in Henan, Anhui, Hubei, and other places.

Phytolaccae Radix has a long history of medicinal use and has been recorded in various Chinese medical books throughout history. For example, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing states, “Phytolaccae Radix is mainly used for edema.” Yao Xing Lun mentions that it “can eliminate ten types of water-related wellness.” In Bie Lu, it is recorded as “supports pathogenic qi in the chest, edema, flaccidity and paralysis, abdominal fullness and distension, dredging the five viscera, and dispersing water qi.” Overall, its functions can be summarized as “eliminating water and reducing swelling.”

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that the swelling-reducing effect of Phytolaccae Radix is achieved by excreting excess water through both urine and feces. This theory has been confirmed by modern science. According to reports, Phytolaccae Radix has a diuretic effect, which may be due to its stimulation of the vasomotor center, leading to increased renal blood flow and thus diuresis. After oral administration, Phytolaccae Radix can also stimulate the intestinal mucosa, causing diarrhea and water excretion. Medical institutions have reported that using Phytolaccae Radix as the main medicinal ingredient to supports 9 cases of chronic nephritis and 8 cases of Liver cirrhosis, after 1 to 6 months of observation, 8 out of the 9 cases of chronic nephritis showed improvement. Except for those in advanced stages, most patients experienced increased urine output and disappearance of edema. Among the 8 cases of Liver cirrhosis, 5 showed increased urine output and reduced ascites. In addition, for edema and ascites caused by acute nephritis and other reasons, Phytolaccae Radix can also be used alone, and it is effective without side effects.

Since Phytolaccae Radix has “mild toxicity,” Li Shizhen of the Ming Dynasty pointed out in Compendium of Materia Medica that “it should not be used in those with weak stomach qi.” However, when it must be used for edema and tympanites, combining Phytolaccae Radix with Oryza sativa is indeed a good approach. This is because Oryza sativa can nourish stomach qi, protect the gastrointestinal tract, and tonify the body, achieving the goal of “strengthening the body and promoting diuresis.” The Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies, Volume 4 records: “To supports water retention, take the white root of Phytolacca acinosa, remove the skin, and cut it into pieces the size of small beans, one large cupful. Boil in three liters of water to obtain one liter. Then take one large cupful of millet and cook it into porridge. Consume on an empty stomach. If taken twice a day, excessive diarrhea may occur. Taking it once a day will result in mild diarrhea. Do not overeat.” From this, it is evident that ancient Chinese medical practitioners had extremely rich experience in medication use while being very cautious and prudent.

[Precautions] Although Phytolaccae Radix porridge has slight toxicity, as long as one starts with a small amount and gradually increases it, and cooks it with rice to make porridge, it generally will not cause poisoning and can achieve satisfactory results. It is contraindicated for pregnant women.

[Reference Materials]

[Collection of Medical Prescriptions from the Holy Benevolent Dispensary · Volume 108 · Food Therapy Section]: “For supports water retention, Phytolaccae Radix porridge recipe. Take 2 liang of Phytolaccae Radix with the skin removed and chopped. Place this single ingredient in 3 sheng of water, boil until 2 sheng remain. Strain out the dregs, add 1 he of fine millet, and cook into porridge. Consume on an empty stomach until mild diarrhea occurs.”

Q1: What is Phytolaccae Radix porridge used for?

A1: Phytolaccae Radix porridge is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to treat conditions such as edema, constipation, and skin disorders, as referenced in historical texts like the ‘Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies.’ The porridge is believed to have diuretic and detoxifying properties, helping to reduce swelling and promote bowel movements. However, its use should be guided by a qualified practitioner due to the potential toxicity of raw Phytolaccae Radix.

Q2: What are the side effects of Phytolaccae Radix porridge?

A2: Phytolaccae Radix porridge may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness if improperly prepared or consumed in excessive amounts. The raw root contains toxic compounds that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and affect the nervous system. To minimize risks, the porridge should be made only from processed or boiled Phytolaccae Radix and taken under professional supervision.

Q3: What are the ingredients in Phytolaccae Radix porridge?

A3: The primary ingredient in Phytolaccae Radix porridge is the dried or processed root of Phytolacca acinosa or Phytolacca americana, known as Phytolaccae Radix. Additional common ingredients include rice (usually white or glutinous), water, and sometimes supplementary herbs like licorice or ginger to enhance flavor and reduce toxicity. The porridge is prepared by simmering the root with rice until a thick consistency is achieved.

Q4: How is Phytolaccae Radix porridge prepared?

A4: To prepare Phytolaccae Radix porridge, the dried root is first boiled in water to reduce its toxicity, then combined with rice and simmered until the grains soften into a porridge. The proportion typically uses 6–9 grams of processed Phytolaccae Radix per 100 grams of rice, and the mixture is cooked for about 30–40 minutes. Some recipes add honey or jujube dates to improve palatability.

Q5: Is Phytolaccae Radix porridge safe to consume?

A5: Phytolaccae Radix porridge can be safe when prepared correctly with proper processing and dosage, as documented in traditional Chinese medicine texts like the ‘Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies.’ However, due to the potential toxicity of the raw root, it is essential to use only commercially processed or thoroughly boiled Phytolaccae Radix and to consult a healthcare provider before consumption. Pregnant women, children, and individuals with liver or kidney conditions should avoid it.