Congees
Gan Mai Da Zao Porridge originates
Gan Mai Da Zao Porridge originates from the classic formula Gan Mai Da Zao Tang (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction) in Zhang Zhongjing's Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases (Jin Gui Yao Lue). The original formula, composed of licorice, wheat, and jujube, is a famous prescription for treating "Zang Zao" (hysteria or emotional instability) in women. This porridge adapts the classic decoction into a more gentle, daily dietary form. While retaining the original effects of calming the mind, nourishing the heart, and relieving tension, the addition of rice and millet makes it milder and more suitable for daily consumption. The porridge has a sweet, gentle flavor and is especially beneficial for those suffering from insomnia, anxiety, and mood swings caused by excessive thinking or stress.
Main Ingredients
- Light wheat (Floating Wheat / Fu Xiaomai) 50g
- Jujube dates (pitted) 5-10 pieces
- Honey-fried licorice root (Zhi Gancao) 10g
- Japonica rice 100g
- Red millet 30g
- Lotus seeds 30g
- Rock sugar or brown sugar to taste
Steps
Wheat 100g, red millet 30g, licorice 10g, lotus seeds 30g (core removed), several jujube dates (pitted).
Wash all ingredients and place them in a soup pot. Add about 1200ml of water (6 bowls).
Cook over low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add a pinch of salt or brown sugar to taste if desired.
TCM Notes
Wheat: Sweet in taste, cool in nature. It nourishes the heart, benefits the kidneys, and relieves heat and thirst. As the principal herb, it primarily tonifies heart yin and calms the spirit. Licorice (Honey-fried) : Sweet in taste, neutral in nature. It tonifies the spleen, supplements qi, and moderates acute conditions. As the minister herb, it tonifies heart qi and relieves tension and urgency. Jujube dates: Sweet in taste, warm in nature. They tonify the middle, supplement qi, nourish blood, and calm the spirit. As the assistant and envoy herb, they assist the other two herbs in their functions. Japonica rice/Millet: Tonify the middle, supplement qi, and harmonize the stomach. They serve as the porridge base, making the formula more gentle and helping the medicinal effects linger in the stomach. Together, they achieve the effects of calming the mind, nourishing the heart, relieving tension, and supplementing qi and blood.
Suitable for：Those with Zang Zao (hysteria): Symptoms include mental confusion, frequent episodes of sadness and crying, and an inability to control oneself. Those with insomnia, palpitations, or neurasthenia. Those with menopausal syndrome (especially with mood swings, insomnia, and irritability). Those experiencing anxiety, nervousness, or significant mood swings. Sub-healthy or healthy individuals as a daily wellness porridge for calming the mind.
Not suitable for：Those with Excess-Heat or Yin deficiency with Fire-Excess: Symptoms include yellow greasy tongue coating, constipation, dry mouth and throat, and fever. Those with Damp-Heat constitution should use with caution. Diabetic patients: Jujube dates and porridge are high in sugar; intake must be strictly controlled under medical supervision. Those with abdominal distension or food stagnation: Jujube dates and licorice may exacerbate indigestion. Those allergic to any of the ingredients.
