Perilla and Apricot Kernel Congee
Ingredients
- Perilla (su zi) 10g (wrapped in gauze)
- Apricot kernel 10g (skin and tip removed)
- Rice 50g
Principle
Perilla descends qi and transforms phlegm; apricot kernel stops cough and calms wheezing; decoction cooked with rice into congee warms and transforms cold fluids, disperses lung, and descends qi.
Effects & uses
Suitable for cold fluid retention in lung type chronic bronchitis—cough with copious white sputum, worse in cold, chest tightness and shortness of breath (syndrome differentiation required).
Method
- Wrap perilla in gauze; peel apricot kernel.
- Decoct perilla and apricot 20 minutes; strain.
- Cook rice into congee with the decoction.
How to use
- Take warm morning and evening.
Caution
Not suitable for phlegm-heat (yellow thick sputum, sore throat). Perilla is oily—use less if spleen deficiency with chronic diarrhea. Not a substitute for medication.
Source
“Pattern-Based Prescriptions for Chronic Bronchitis,” Respiratory Department, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine. To be manually verified.