Congees
外感风寒所致咳嗽者忌食——沙参性凉，风寒咳嗽（症见怕冷、流清涕、咳白稀痰）者不宜食用 脾虚便溏（慢性腹泻）者慎用——沙参性凉，枸杞虽性平但有润肠之效，可能加重腹泻 实热证或湿热内盛者慎食——症见大便干结、舌红苔黄腻、口苦口臭者不宜 糖尿病患者慎食——粥类及冰糖含糖量较高，需控制血糖者应谨慎食用或在医生指导下食用 对沙参、枸杞或本品中任意成分过敏者禁用
Shashen & Goji Berry Congee is a classic medicinal porridge that nourishes yin, moisturizes the lungs, and benefits the liver and eyes. This recipe evolved from the Shashen Congee recorded in the Porridge Manual (粥谱). By adding goji berries to the lung-moistening and stomach-nourishing base, it enhances the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, and improving vision. Shashen excels at tonifying lung qi and nourishing stomach yin; goji berries are known for nourishing kidney water and supplementing liver blood; japonica rice strengthens the spleen and stomach; rock sugar moistens the lungs and harmonizes the middle. Together, they regulate the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney meridians, achieving the effects of nourishing yin, moisturizing the lungs, nourishing the stomach, generating fluids, tonifying the liver and kidneys, and improving vision. The congee is smooth and creamy, with a subtle herbal aroma from Shashen and a gentle sweetness from goji berries. It is especially suitable for autumn dryness or daily wellness for middle-aged and elderly individuals with yin deficiency constitution.
Main Ingredients
- Prepare Shashen 15g
- goji berries 15g
- japonica rice 100g
- rock sugar to taste
Steps
Decoct Shashen first, strain, and reserve the liquid.
Add the liquid, goji berries, and rice to a clay pot with water, and simmer over low heat.
Add rock sugar when the congee is almost done, and cook briefly. Consume warm in the morning and evening.
TCM Notes
Shashen (Radix Glehniae) : Sweet in taste, cool in nature; enters the Lung and Stomach meridians. Known for nourishing yin, clearing the lungs, benefiting the stomach, and generating fluids. Northern Shashen focuses on nourishing stomach yin and generating fluids; Southern Shashen focuses on clearing the lungs and resolving phlegm. Both can be used. Modern research shows it contains volatile oils and alkaloids with expectorant and antipyretic effects. Goji Berries (Wolfberries) : Sweet in taste, neutral in nature; enters the Liver and Kidney meridians. Known for nourishing the liver and kidneys, and improving vision. Rich in polysaccharides, carotene, vitamins C and E, and various trace elements. Modern research shows they have immune-enhancing, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, liver-protective, and blood sugar-lowering effects. Japonica Rice: Sweet in taste, neutral in nature; enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Lung meridians. Known for tonifying the middle, boosting qi, and strengthening the spleen and stomach. Rock Sugar: Sweet in taste, neutral in nature; enters the Lung and Spleen meridians. Known for tonifying the middle, boosting qi, and harmonizing the stomach and lungs. Synergistic Effect: Shashen moistens the lungs and stomach; goji berries tonify the liver and kidneys; rice strengthens the spleen and stomach; rock sugar harmonizes the flavors. Together, they tonify the Lung, Spleen, and Kidneys, achieving the effects of nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, and improving vision. Total approx. 250-350 kcal, primarily carbohydrates – a nourishing medicinal porridge. Take for 3-5 days as one course.
Suitable for：Those with lung heat, lung dryness, or lung yin deficiency manifesting as dry cough with little phlegm, dry throat, and dry mouth Those with thirst and poor appetite due to fluid depletion after febrile illness Those with liver-kidney yin deficiency manifesting as dizziness, blurred vision, and soreness in the lower back and knees Middle-aged and elderly for daily wellness, anti-aging, and vision protection Those with eye strain and dryness due to prolonged screen use Those with chronic cough due to deficiency and internal heat Those with dry throat and dry skin due to autumn dryness
Not suitable for：Those with cough due to external wind-cold – avoid. Shashen is cool in nature; it may worsen wind-cold cough (chills, clear nasal discharge, white thin phlegm). Those with spleen deficiency and loose stools (chronic diarrhea) – use with caution. Shashen is cool, and goji berries may slightly promote bowel movements, potentially worsening diarrhea. Those with excess heat or damp-heat – symptoms include dry stools, red tongue with yellow greasy coating, and bitter mouth; avoid. Diabetes patients – congee and rock sugar are high in sugar; consume with caution or under medical guidance. Those allergic to Shashen, goji berries, or any ingredient – avoid.
