Congee & Porridge
American Ginseng, Adenophora and Ophiopogon Congee
Traditionally used to nourish lung yin and soothe a dry, allergy-prone nose
Why people make this congee
When the weather shifts, people with a sensitive nose sneeze repeatedly and run a clear nose; while things are unsettled they are very reactive to temperature swings. Bro Niu’s advice is to keep warm — slip on a light jacket the moment you wake, then get up to meet the cool morning air. Alongside that, this gentle congee is one of his favorites for people with a dry constitution and an allergy-prone nose. Traditionally it is used to nourish lung yin, support lung qi and look after the airways.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suited to people with a dry, yin-deficient constitution and an allergy-prone nose; gentle enough that the whole family, including children (about half a bowl, once or twice a week), can have it.
- Do not take it during a cold or while external symptoms (fever, chills, sore throat) are still present.
- For people with high blood pressure, Bro Niu suggests sha shen suits better than dang shen; this sha-shen-based congee is fine.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- American ginseng (hua qi shen): Traditionally used to nourish yin and generate fluids without being heaty.
- Adenophora / glehnia (sha shen): Associated with moistening the lungs.
- Ophiopogon (mai dong): Traditionally used to nourish yin and moisten dryness.
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| American ginseng (hua qi shen) | ~11 g | Thin slices, added at the end |
| Sha shen | ~11 g | |
| Ophiopogon (mai dong) | ~11 g | |
| White rice | ~75 g |
Method
- Rinse the sha shen, ophiopogon and rice.
- Add water and cook into a moderately thick congee.
- Stir in the thin American ginseng slices last, turn off the heat, cover and let stand about 7 minutes before serving.
Bro Niu’s tips
This congee is traditionally used to nourish yin, moisten the lungs, support lung qi, look after the airways and protect the respiratory lining. But do not take it during a cold or while external symptoms remain.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (金金): My one-year-old — is this congee suitable? He catches colds easily. Bro Niu: Yes, this congee suits your little one — about half a bowl, once or twice a week. Because small children can’t cough up phlegm, after a cold it easily collects in the lungs, so teach him to drink plenty of water; when you hear phlegm, gently pat his back all over, then have him drink water to help clear it.
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Q (Mooncake): Is this congee suitable for people with high blood pressure? Bro Niu: People with high blood pressure suit sha shen better than dang shen. A congee made with sha shen is fine to eat.
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Q (慧): Can I steep American ginseng with chrysanthemum? Bro Niu: Yes, you can steep American ginseng and chrysanthemum tea — chrysanthemum clears heat and American ginseng nourishes yin and generates fluids.
Published December 11, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
