Congees
Papaya and Tangerine Peel Porridge
Papaya and Tangerine Peel Porridge is a classic TCM dietary therapy porridge. Its core effects are resolving phlegm, removing dampness, and unblocking meridians, integrating the philosophy of "food as medicine" into daily diet. This porridge combines papaya, which calms the liver and relaxes tendons; tangerine peel, which regulates qi and dries dampness; loofah sponge, which dispels wind and unblocks meridians; and fritillaria, which clears heat and resolves phlegm. Cooked with rice, it has a thick, creamy texture with a subtle herbal aroma and a pleasant taste. It is renowned for resolving phlegm, removing dampness, and relieving pain by unblocking meridians. It is especially suitable for cervical spondylosis of the phlegm-dampness obstruction type, characterized by neck pain, stiffness, numbness, and dizziness.
Main Ingredients
- Papaya (fresh) 15g
- Dried tangerine peel (Chenpi) 10g
- Loofah (Luffa) sponge (Sigualuo) 10g
- Fritillaria (Chuanbeimu) 10g
- Japonica rice (or plain rice) 60g
- Rock sugar to taste
- Water as needed
Steps
Rinse the rice and soak in advance.
Peel and deseed the papaya, and cut into small pieces; rinse the loofah sponge and fritillaria; rinse the tangerine peel and soften in water.
Place all ingredients (except rock sugar) together in a pot and cook until the porridge is done.
Add rock sugar to taste and serve.
TCM Notes
Papaya: Warm in nature, sour in taste, acts on the Liver and Spleen meridians. Rich in over 17 amino acids, calcium, iron, and papain. Known to harmonize the spleen and stomach, calm the liver, relax tendons, and beautify the skin. The alkaloid carpaine helps relieve spasms and pain. Tangerine peel (Chenpi) : Regulates qi, strengthens the spleen, and dries dampness to resolve phlegm. Has antioxidant properties. Loofah sponge (Sigualuo) : Dispels wind, unblocks meridians, and invigorates blood. A key herb for unblocking collateral channels. Fritillaria (Chuanbeimu) : Clears heat, resolves phlegm, and moistens the lungs to relieve coughs. Japonica/Plain rice: Tonifies the middle, strengthens the spleen and stomach, making the medicinal effects mild and sustained. Together, they achieve the synergistic effects of resolving phlegm, removing dampness, unblocking meridians, and harmonizing the liver and stomach.
Suitable for：Those with cervical spondylosis of phlegm-dampness obstruction type: Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, numbness, dizziness, and a heavy-headed sensation Those with prolonged desk work or computer use: Neck muscle tension and poor qi-blood circulation Those with phlegm-dampness constitution: Overweight, greasy white tongue coating, heavy body feeling Those with rheumatic pain, heavy limbs, or muscle spasms General population as a daily wellness porridge
Not suitable for：Pregnant women – contraindicated Those with hyperacidity or gastric ulcers – use with caution (papaya contains organic acids that may stimulate gastric acid secretion) Those with internal heat or scanty dark urine – not suitable Those with food stagnation, bloating, or constipation – use with caution Those allergic to any of the ingredients
