Trichosanthes Root Congee

• Trichosanthes root (tianhuafen) 30g
• Barley grits 60g (or polished rice 50g)

Trichosanthes root is slightly cold; it clears heat, drains fire, and promotes fluids to quench thirst. It has long been called a “ wasting-thirst herb,” and clinical research suggests meaningful blood-sugar–lowering effects. Cooked with barley grits or rice as congee, it suits diabetic patients with prominent thirst.

Suitable for diabetes with polydipsia, dry mouth, and frequent urination; also for lung-heat fluid injury patterns of wasting thirst (syndrome differentiation required).

1. Soak trichosanthes root in warm water for 2 hours, decoct with 200 mL water down to 100 mL, and strain, reserving the liquid.
2. Add barley grits (or rice) and 400 mL water.
3. Simmer until the grains are fully cooked and the congee is thick.

• Eat warm; count the congee toward daily staple intake.

Guangdong Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Anhui Provincial Hospital of TCM materials. To be manually verified.

• Trichosanthes Root and Honey Drink
• Kudzu Starch Congee