Chinese Yam, Polygonatum, and Cistanche Congee

Why people make this congee

People managing diabetes often show a mix of yin and yang depletion — frequent, cloudy urination, a dull complexion, sore knees and lower back, and a sense of being cold in the limbs. Nourilo offers this congee as a gentle, warming support for that picture. Cistanche is traditionally associated with supporting kidney function and easing dryness, while Chinese yam and polygonatum are both traditionally linked with helping to manage blood sugar.

Method

1. Rinse the Chinese yam, polygonatum, and cistanche.
2. Place the herbs in a soup/herb bag.
3. Cook the herb bag together with the white rice into a thick, smooth congee.
4. Eat as desired. Seven days makes one course.

Nourilo’s Tips

This congee is also helpful for menopausal women with a sore back, scanty pale menstrual flow, dizziness, or ringing in the ears, and for middle-aged or older people with cold aching knees and low mood. For those with prostatitis, swap the polygonatum (huang jing) for 38 g of raw rehmannia (sheng di).