Congees
Jingjie Porridge
Jingjie Porridge is a traditional medicinal porridge originating from the Yuan Dynasty, recorded in the Yinshan Zhengyao (Proper Essentials of Eating and Drinking), and later mentioned in the Qing Dynasty Porridge Manual. Made with Schizonepeta as the main ingredient, combined with peppermint, fermented soybean, and japonica rice, this porridge is known for its effects of inducing sweating, relieving the exterior, clearing the throat, and reducing fever. It is suitable for common colds with fever, chills, headache, sore throat, and restlessness. The formula is mild and balanced, dispelling wind and relieving the exterior without damaging vital qi.
Main Ingredients
- Schizonepeta (Jingjie) 10g
- Peppermint (Bohe) 5g
- Fermented soybean (Dandouchi) 10g
- Japonica rice 100g
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Steps
Soak Schizonepeta in water for at least 4 hours (or overnight). Strain and reserve the liquid.
Place the rinsed rice and the Schizonepeta liquid in a pot, adding more water if needed. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until the rice is soft and the porridge thickens.
Add a pinch of salt to taste if desired.
TCM Notes
Schizonepeta (Jingjie) : Pungent in taste, slightly warm in nature. Known to release the exterior, disperse wind, and relieve itching. A common herb for treating wind-cold colds. Peppermint (Bohe) : Cool in nature, pungent in taste. Known to disperse wind-heat, clear the head and eyes, and soothe the throat. When combined with Schizonepeta, it enhances the diaphoretic effect. Fermented soybean (Dandouchi) : Known to relieve the exterior and relieve restlessness. Combined with Schizonepeta and peppermint, it enhances the effects of inducing sweating and dispersing heat. Japonica rice: Tonifies the middle, strengthens the spleen and stomach, making the medicinal effects mild, sustained, and easy to digest. This porridge integrates the concept of "food as medicine" into daily diet, balancing efficacy with nourishment.
Suitable for：Those with early-stage wind-cold colds: Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, body aches, and clear nasal discharge Those with sore throat Those with restlessness and insomnia Those with early-stage facial nerve paralysis (as adjunctive therapy)
Not suitable for：Those with wind-heat colds: Symptoms include high fever, severe sore throat, and thick yellow phlegm – should avoid as it may worsen symptoms Those with Yin deficiency and Fire excess – contraindicated Those with weak constitution and excessive sweating – use with caution Those with headache due to Yin deficiency and Yang hyperactivity – contraindicated
