Yu Ping Feng Goji Berry Millet Congee

Why people make this congee

In the depths of winter, especially during a heavy flu season, many families in Hong Kong and southern China turn to a classical three-herb formula called Yu Ping Feng San — Jade Screen Powder — as a gentle, daily-food-level strategy for building resistance. The name refers to a protective screen around the body, like a shield against wind and cold. The formula is built from just three herbs: astragalus to invigorate the body’s protective energy, white atractylodes to strengthen the digestive system so that energy is well-generated, and siler root to gently release pathogens at the surface. Nourilo has combined these three herbs with goji berries and millet to make a fragrant, easy congee that the whole family can enjoy as a warming breakfast or light meal during flu season.

Method

1. Soak the millet and white rice together for 1 hour; drain.
2. Place the astragalus, white atractylodes, and siler root into a herb bag; rinse and soak briefly to clean.
3. Rinse the goji berries gently.
4. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 1.5–1.8 L of water (approximately 1–1.2 litres).
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the congee reaches your preferred consistency.
6. Remove the herb bag before serving. Eat warm.

Nourilo’s Tips

Millet on its own can produce a congee that is a little thin and lacks creaminess. Adding a couple of tablespoons of white rice gives the congee a more satisfying, smooth texture and a more pleasant aroma. This congee is suitable two to three times a week for the whole family as a routine seasonal wellness food. Avoid white radish and strong tea while eating it regularly, as these may counteract the effects of the astragalus.