Congee & Porridge
Pseudostellaria, Chinese Yam, Lotus Seed and Red Date Congee
Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and calm the mind
Why people make this congee
Life in a busy city wears people down — long nights and constant fatigue leave many feeling depleted, and yet rich tonics often sit poorly with a weakened system. Bro Niu reaches for pseudostellaria root here. Also called “children’s ginseng,” it is gentle enough for kids and is traditionally used to nourish yin, support the lungs and spleen, and generate fluids. This congee is mild in flavour and traditionally enjoyed to strengthen the spleen and stomach, support the lungs and kidneys, and calm the mind — especially welcome for those who feel mentally drained, short of breath, sweaty at the slightest effort, restless or troubled by a dry mouth and throat.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People who feel tired and run-down, sweat easily, sleep poorly or have a dry mouth and throat; gentle enough for children too.
- A mild, everyday congee. As always, if symptoms are significant or persistent, please see a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Pseudostellaria (tai zi shen): Traditionally used to nourish yin, support the lungs and spleen, and generate fluids; mild enough for children.
- Chinese yam (huai shan): Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and support digestion.
- Lotus seeds (lian zi): Long associated with calming the mind and supporting restful sleep.
- Red dates (hong zao): Traditionally used to nourish qi and blood and add gentle sweetness.
Ingredients (2–3 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pseudostellaria root | ~11 g | rinsed |
| Chinese yam | ~38 g | rinsed |
| Lotus seeds | ~38 g | rinsed |
| Red dates | 5 | pitted |
| White rice | as needed |
Method
- Rinse the ingredients clean and pit the red dates.
- Put everything in a rice cooker with a suitable amount of water.
- Set it to the congee setting and cook until the congee is done, then serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This congee has only a faint herbal taste, so it suits young and old. It is also helpful for people with low blood pressure or a weakened constitution.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (anonymous reader): I have an elderly friend, nearly 80, about to have a full hysterectomy. I’ve already soaked some sea cucumber — how much is suitable per serving, and besides soup and congee, what else can I make with it? Bro Niu: Sea cucumber is traditionally used to support the kidney qi, but the patient must have an appetite, since it is hard to digest — so don’t eat too much at once; one bald sea cucumber is enough. You can also simmer soaked, blanched sea cucumber in fresh chicken broth, then cut it into strips and braise with shredded shiitake and lean pork in oyster sauce for a tasty small dish; adding a few vegetable hearts on the plate helps the appetite.
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Q (Jane): My husband had bowel cancer 10 years ago (surgery and chemo, declared cured), a stroke 5 years ago affecting communication, and open-chest aortic surgery 4 years ago. He recently had a high fever and pneumonia with a 10-day hospital stay. He takes aspirin and medication for high uric acid, cholesterol and blood pressure. How should I help him recover? Bro Niu: Use 4 taels fresh houttuynia (yu xing cao) and 3 figs simmered with lean pork to clear lung heat. After that, regularly use chayote, snow fungus, almonds and figs (each as you like) simmered with lean pork to help moisten the lungs and support immunity — mild and won’t interfere with his medication. Or use Chinese yam, lotus seed, poria and euryale seed (each 1 tael), 5 red dates and 1 dried tangerine peel simmered with lean pork to strengthen the spleen and stomach and aid absorption.
Published August 14, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
