Congees
White Poria Congee (Bai Fuling Zhou / Fuling Zhou)
White Poria Congee is a classic spleen-strengthening medicinal porridge originating from the Song Dynasty classic Renzhai Zhizhi Fang (仁斋直指方). White Poria, sweet and neutral in nature, enters the Heart, Lung, Spleen, and Kidney meridians, with effects of promoting diuresis, draining dampness, strengthening the spleen and stomach, and calming the mind. Japonica rice tonifies the middle and strengthens the spleen and stomach. Together, they achieve the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, and promoting diuresis to reduce swelling. The congee is smooth and creamy, with a subtle herbal aroma from Poria blending with the fragrance of rice. This congee is recorded in both the Song Dynasty Zhizhi Fang and the Compendium of Materia Medica. The Song Dynasty literary giant Su Zhe's family also had a long tradition of consuming Poria Congee, with the Su Shen Liang Fang describing it as "strengthening the body, fortifying the spleen, and draining dampness to reduce swelling".
Main Ingredients
- White Poria powder 15-30g
- Japonica rice 60-100g
- White pepper powder to taste
- Salt to taste
- MSG a pinch
Steps
Have 15-30g of White Poria ground into fine powder at a herbal pharmacy. If using whole Poria, grind it into a very fine powder yourself. Rinse 60-100g of japonica rice. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes for a creamier texture, then drain.
Place the rinsed rice and White Poria powder in a clay pot or regular pot, adding about 1000ml of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer until the rice is fully softened and the congee is thick. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Total cooking time: approx. 30-40 minutes.
When the congee is done, season with a small amount of white pepper, salt, and MSG (optional). Stir well and serve. Consume on an empty stomach for best results. Twice daily, for breakfast and dinner.
TCM Notes
White Poria: Contains approximately 1.2g protein, 80g dietary fiber, and 82.6g carbohydrates per 100g. Rich in poria polysaccharides and poric acid. Modern pharmacology shows it has anti-tumor, blood pressure and lipid-lowering, liver-protective, anti-aging, and immune-enhancing effects. Poria is gentle in action, benefiting the heart and spleen while promoting diuresis – tonifying without being harsh, draining without being aggressive. Japonica Rice: Tonifies the middle, boosts qi, and strengthens the spleen and stomach, enhancing the tonic effects of Poria. Synergistic Effect: Poria promotes diuresis, drains dampness, and calms the mind; rice warms the middle, boosts qi, and nourishes the stomach. Total approx. 300-400 kcal, primarily carbohydrates – a low-fat warming medicinal porridge.
Suitable for：Those with yin deficiency with internal heat – symptoms include hot palms/soles, dry mouth, night sweats, and insomnia Those with kidney deficiency with polyuria or frequent urination – Poria's diuretic effect may worsen symptoms Those with deficiency-cold with spermatorrhea or qi sinking (e.g., rectal prolapse) Pregnant women – consult a doctor before consuming Diabetes patients – Poria is mainly starch; excessive consumption may raise blood glucose Those with externally-contracted fever or heat excess Those allergic to Poria Avoid consuming with strong tea or white vinegar – they may affect absorption of active compounds
Not suitable for：Those with yin deficiency with internal heat – symptoms include hot palms/soles, dry mouth, night sweats, and insomnia Those with kidney deficiency with polyuria or frequent urination – Poria's diuretic effect may worsen symptoms Those with deficiency-cold with spermatorrhea or qi sinking (e.g., rectal prolapse) Pregnant women – consult a doctor before consuming Diabetes patients – Poria is mainly starch; excessive consumption may raise blood glucose Those with externally-contracted fever or heat excess Those allergic to Poria Avoid consuming with strong tea or white vinegar – they may affect absorption of active compounds
