Chinese Yam and Fox-Nut (Qian Shi) Congee

Why people make this congee

Vaginal discharge is a very common concern. When a woman’s spleen qi is weak, the discharge can be continuous, white and sticky with no odour; in the traditional view, settling the spleen often settles the discharge. This gentle congee is aimed exactly at that weak-spleen type, and it is mild enough to eat regularly.

Method

1. Soak the Chinese yam and fox nut in clean water for about half a day.
2. Rinse the rice, then add all the ingredients to a pot with water and cook into a moderately thick congee.
3. Eat as desired.

Nourilo’s Tips

The fox nut shown is the whole seed, which comes in two kinds — brownish-black and brownish-red. The darker seed is from older trees and is considered more effective. This congee is also traditionally said to help children with a weak spleen who often have phlegm and a cough.