TCM Basics 101: Supermarket Herbs - Congee
TCM Nature: Neutral
TCM Taste: Mildly Sweet, Neutral
TCM Meridian Affinity: Kidney, Spleen, Stomach
Benefits:
· Strengthens both Qi and Blood
· Tones and harmonizes digestive system
· Promotes urination
· Soothes inflammation in digestive system
· Generates, nourishes and regulates Fluids
Spirituality:
In Traditional Buddhist monastic communities, congee is enshrined in the mealtime rites wordings.
Congee is said to have association with karmic claims and health promoting effects.
In the classic text, congee has ten advantages, namely gives life, gives beauty, gives ease, gives strength, gives intelligence, checks hunger, keeps off thirst, regulates wind, cleanses the bladder, digests remnants of food.
一资色，谓资益身躯。颜容丰盛。故云资色。二增力，谓补益尪羸。增长气力。故云增力。三益寿，谓补养元气。寿算增益。故云益寿。四安乐，谓清净柔软。食则安乐。故云安乐。五辩说，谓滋润喉吻。论议无碍。故云辩说。六除风，谓调和通利。风气消除。故云除风。七消宿食，谓温暖脾胃。宿食消化。故云消宿食。八辞清，谓气无凝滞。辞辩清扬。故云辞清。九除饥，谓适充口腹。饥馁顿除。故云除饥。十消渴，谓喉吻沾润。渴想随消。故云消渴。
