Congees
Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb and Euryale Ferox Porridge
Lotus seed, lily bulb and Euryale ferox porridge is a time-honored Chinese medicinal food formula, praised by generations of physicians as a nourishing classic that "calms the heart, soothes the spirit, strengthens the spleen and consolidates the kidneys." Lotus seeds clear the heart and relieve restlessness; lily bulbs moisten the lungs and tranquilize the mind; Euryale ferox fortifies the spleen and stops diarrhea. These three "food-as-medicine" ingredients, simmered together with rice, yield a thick, silky porridge with a delicately sweet, nutty fragrance. Perfect after sleepless nights, during seasonal transitions, or when physically and mentally drained – one bowl brings a gentle, internal "healing spa" to the entire body. Light yet deeply restorative, this porridge embodies the ancestral wisdom of Chinese wellness.
Main Ingredients
- Japonica rice (or rice) 80g
- Lotus seeds (dehulled, core removed) 20g
- Dried lily bulbs 15g
- Dried Euryale ferox seeds (Gorgon fruit) 20g
- Rock sugar
- Goji berries 5g
- Water 1.2-1.5L
Steps
Rinse all ingredients thoroughly and set aside.
Put pre-soaked lotus seeds and euryale seeds into the pot and simmer for 20 minutes first.
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Add lily bulbs at last and simmer covered for 5 minutes.
TCM Notes
Heart-calming & mind-soothing：Lotus seeds contain liensinine and alkaloids with sedative and anxiolytic effects；lily bulbs are rich in colchicine and lilioside, which regulate the central nervous system, ease tension and improve sleep quality. Spleen-strengthening & anti-diarrheal：Euryale ferox is packed with starch and multiple vitamins, enhancing intestinal absorption and reducing diarrhea；stachyose in lotus seeds nourishes beneficial gut microbiota – together they reinforce digestive function. Lung-moistening & cough-relieving：Mucilage in lily bulbs soothes dryness and clears heat, relieving dry cough and sore throat；potassium in lotus seeds helps maintain respiratory mucosal hydration. Kidney-tonifying & astringent：Euryale ferox acts on the spleen and kidney meridians with astringent properties, helping reduce frequent nighttime urination and relieving weak knees and lower back. Trace mineral supplementation：Lotus seeds provide calcium, phosphorus and potassium；lily bulbs offer B1, B2 and vitamin C；Euryale ferox delivers rich magnesium and zinc – together they boost immunity and slow cellular aging.
Suitable for：Those suffering from insomnia, excessive dreams, irritability or neurasthenia Individuals with chronic diarrhea, loose stools or poor appetite due to spleen deficiency People with dry cough, throat irritation or lung dryness Elderly individuals with frequent nocturia or kidney qi insufficiency Students and professionals under high mental stress or overwork Those recovering from illness needing gentle, restorative care
Not suitable for：Those with severe constipation or dry stools (Euryale ferox has astringent properties that may worsen the condition) People with abdominal bloating or food stagnation (glutinous texture may aggravate indigestion) Individuals with excess-heat constitution or acute wind-heat colds with fever and yellow phlegm (astringent foods are contraindicated) Diabetics should strictly control rock sugar amount or use alternative sweeteners like stevia Those allergic to lotus seeds, lily bulbs or Euryale ferox (rare)
