Congee & Porridge
Yu Ping Feng (Jade Screen) Herb Congee
Traditionally associated with tonifying lung and spleen qi, strengthening the body's surface defences, and supporting immune resilience
Why people make this congee
Yu Ping Feng San — literally “Jade Screen Powder” — is one of the most celebrated classical formulas in Chinese medicine, used for centuries to strengthen what practitioners call the wei qi (protective energy at the body’s surface) and build resilience against repeated colds and infections. Bro Niu recommends adapting this three-herb formula into a mild, child-friendly congee. The herbal flavour is light enough that children accept it readily, and the method is simple: simmer the herbs first, strain out the solids, and use the broth to cook the rice into a smooth congee.
This recipe is particularly relevant for children who tend to fall ill repeatedly, for anyone whose constitution has been weakened by prolonged exposure to airborne irritants, or simply for people who want to strengthen their immunity heading into the colder months. Adults can also use the commercially available Yu Ping Feng granules directly.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for children from 18 months onwards and adults who tend to catch colds frequently or have a constitutionally weak lung-spleen system
- Suitable whether you are just recovering from a cold or just at risk of catching one — it can be used at both stages as long as there is no active fever
- This is a gentle, warming formula — those with signs of active heat or a high fever should wait until they recover before using it
- Two servings per week is the recommended routine for long-term constitutional building
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Huang qi / astragalus (bei qi, Astragalus membranaceus): Sweet and slightly warm; the principal herb in this formula. Extensively studied for its immunomodulatory effects. Traditionally tonifies spleen and lung qi, strengthens the body’s surface defences, and supports spontaneous sweating regulation.
- Fang feng / saposhnikovia (fang feng, Saposhnikovia divaricata): Pungent and slightly warm; traditionally used to expel wind and strengthen the exterior — its role is to ensure the formula both builds up the body and keeps it open to releasing external pathogens rather than locking them in.
- Bai zhu / white atractylodes (bai zhu, Atractylodes macrocephala): Bitter, sweet, and warm; traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and stomach, dry dampness, and support the production of healthy qi. Works synergistically with huang qi to consolidate the body’s natural defences.
- White rice: Easy to digest; forms the neutral, nourishing base of the congee that carries the herbal goodness into the body gently.
Ingredients (2–3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus root (bei qi / huang qi) | ~19 g (5 qian) | Rinse; available at Chinese herb shops |
| Saposhnikovia root (fang feng) | ~11 g (3 qian) | Rinse |
| White atractylodes (bai zhu) | ~19 g (5 qian) | Rinse |
| Short-grain white rice | ~75 g (2 taels) | Rinse |
| Water | 6 bowls for herbs + more for congee |
Method
- Rinse all three herbs briefly.
- Place the herbs in a pot with 6 bowls of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 20 minutes until the liquid reduces to 4–5 bowls.
- Strain out and discard the herb solids. Keep the herbal broth.
- Add the rinsed rice to the herbal broth. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until a smooth, moderately thick congee forms (roughly 30 minutes).
- Serve warm. Children can eat a child-appropriate portion; the whole family can share.
Bro Niu’s tips
If measuring and boiling herbs feels like too much effort for a busy household, commercially available Yu Ping Feng granule sachets are a good convenience option. Simply dissolve about 2 teaspoons of the granule powder into a bowl of hot congee and stir well — the effect is essentially the same. Children from 18 months can use the granule version, dissolved in hot water. One to two servings per week is the recommended dose for ongoing immune support. Adults can take the granules directly without making congee. Adding 6 dried magnolia flower buds (xin yi hua) makes it also helpful for nasal allergy.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (Karen Lau): At what age can children start taking Yu Ping Feng granules? Can it just be dissolved in water? Bro Niu: Children from 18 months can take it. Simply dissolve the granules in hot water — that is fine.
-
Q (cola): Can Yu Ping Feng be taken at the very start of a cold, or when almost recovered? What can be added for nasal sensitivity? Bro Niu: It can be used both at the start of a cold and when almost recovered — either is fine. For nasal sensitivity, add 6 dried magnolia flower buds (xin yi hua) to the brew; they help reduce nasal discharge.
-
Q (李先生): Does this kind of soup help if someone has inhaled petrol bomb smoke or burning shop fumes? Bro Niu: These soups are mainly about strengthening lung qi and reducing the damage from inhaled toxins. For acute detoxification, it is better to first drink the fish-wort (yu xing cao) soup or the green olive radish soup to help clear the toxins out; then follow with these lung-nourishing soups afterwards.
Published November 22, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
