Oleum Oryzae
Aliases：Zhou You (Porridge Oil) (Chongqing Tang Essays); Rice Soup; Porridge Skin.
Rice Porridge Oil is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the thick, viscous liquid that floats on the surface of the pot when rice porridge is cooked. It is an authenticated variety of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Terminology Standardization and Promotion Project, and is recorded in Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu Shiyi), Chongqing Tang Essays (Chongqing Tang Suibi), Dietary Spectrum of Suixi Dwelling (Suixi Ju Yinshi Pu), and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Tonifies the Kidneys and fortifies the Spleen; promotes diuresis and treats strangury.
Indications
Spleen deficiency with emaciation; Kidney depletion with infertility; strangury with turbid urine.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Rice Porridge Oil possesses the following pharmacological activities: Protecting the intestinal mucosa and regulating the gut microbiota: Studies indicate that Rice Porridge Oil possesses the pharmacological activities of protecting the intestinal mucosa and regulating the gut microbiota, and ameliorates endotoxin-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and impairment of intestinal barrier function. Existing research results show that various diseases or the use of antibiotics can lead to gut microbiota dysbiosis, impair intestinal barrier function, and allow endotoxins from the intestine to enter the bloodstream, forming enterogenous endotoxemia and causing damage to multiple organs including the liver and kidneys. Rice Porridge Oil can protect the intestinal mucosa and regulate the gut microbiota. Protective effect against acute liver injury: Based on the aforementioned intestinal protective effect, Rice Porridge Oil exerts a protective effect against endotoxin-induced acute liver injury in rats. Improving sleep and regulating the autonomic nervous system: The γ-oryzanol abundantly present in Rice Porridge Oil has effects such as regulating the autonomic nervous system, improving tension, relieving fatigue, and improving sleep. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects: γ-Oryzanol, plant sterols, natural vitamin E, and other constituents in Rice Porridge Oil possess hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from modern experimental studies on Rice Porridge Oil and its constituents such as γ-oryzanol. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Rice Porridge Oil is still ongoing. It should be noted that the content of functional constituents (such as γ-oryzanol) in Rice Porridge Oil is far lower than that in rice bran oil, and its pharmacological effects are primarily mild nourishing and regulating effects. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
Rice Porridge Oil mainly contains the following constituents: Carbohydrates (principal constituents): Dextrin: an incomplete decomposition product of starch in rice; the main constituent of Rice Porridge Oil. A small amount of monosaccharides. Proteins and amino acids: Water-soluble proteins. Free amino acids. Small molecule peptides. Vitamins: Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Other B vitamins. Minerals: Potassium (K). Other trace minerals. Functional constituents (present in low amounts): γ-Oryzanol: a collective term for ferulic acid esters of plant sterols. A small amount of fat. Note: From a nutritional perspective, Rice Porridge Oil contains starch, water-soluble proteins, free amino acids, minerals, water-soluble vitamins, and other nutrients, all present in relatively low amounts; it mainly provides carbohydrates and water. The nutrients in Rice Porridge Oil are inherent to rice itself, and no novel special health-promoting constituents are present. Rice Porridge Oil made from brown rice has relatively higher contents of B vitamins and minerals.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: 30–50 mL, taken warm on an empty stomach; or an appropriate amount as a tea substitute.
Contraindications
Use with caution in individuals with Spleen deficiency and exuberant Dampness. Rice Porridge Oil has a relatively low nutrient density and should not replace a normal diet for an extended period; otherwise, it may lead to consequences such as protein-energy malnutrition and iron deficiency anemia. The elderly and infants should not use Rice Porridge Oil as a long-term substitute for a normal diet. Individuals with excessive stomach acid should not consume large amounts, so as to avoid aggravating discomfort. Diabetic patients should consume it in moderation, as the dextrin in Rice Porridge Oil is easily absorbed and may affect blood glucose.
Selected Formulas
For thin, watery semen and infertility (Bencao Gangmu Shiyi) Take the floating film/scum (rice porridge oil) from the surface of boiling rice congee, add a little refined salt, and take it on an empty stomach. Traditionally, it is believed that the semen will become thicker and conception may then occur.
Daily Consumption
Plain Rice Porridge Oil: Skim off the thick liquid floating on the surface of cooked rice porridge with a spoon. Take it warm on an empty stomach, one bowl daily (about 30–50 mL). A small amount of table salt may be added to guide the medicine into the Kidney Channel. Rice Porridge Oil with Egg: Pour piping hot Rice Porridge Oil into beaten egg liquid, stir well, and consume. It is an excellent food for fortifying the Spleen and tonifying Qi. Rice Porridge Oil with Salt: When the elderly drink it on an empty stomach, a small amount of table salt may be added to enhance the effects of tonifying the Kidneys and replenishing essence.
Medicinal Parts
The thick, viscous liquid on the surface of rice porridge (formed by the gelatinization and hydrolysis of starch from rice or millet).
Selection & Storage
Rice Porridge Oil is a freshly prepared product and should be consumed fresh; it is not suitable for long-term storage. If short-term storage is needed, it may be kept refrigerated in an airtight container and consumed within 24 hours. Repeated heating should be avoided to prevent the active constituents from being destroyed.
