Porridge made of red bean, rice and red dates

As summer comes to an end, many people may have consumed too much ice water, juice, or soft drinks, leading to dampness and water accumulation in the stomach and intestines. This can result in bloating, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loose stools, or difficulty urinating. 

To help clear this excess dampness and restore balance, we made red bean porridge for dinner—delicious, nourishing, and soothing for digestion. 

Ingredients:  

• 1 handful of red beans 

• 1 handful of rice 

• 4 red dates (pits removed) 

Instructions: 

1. Wash all the ingredients thoroughly. 

2. Remove the pits from the red dates. 

3. Place everything into a soy milk maker (or a similar cooking appliance). 

4. Start the cooking process—after about 31 minutes, you’ll have a silky, naturally sweet, and comforting porridge. 

Red beans resemble the shape of kidneys and have a red color, symbolizing their energy to support the kidneys in regulating water balance. They are known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for clearing water accumulation, reducing swelling, and even expelling pus. Red beans are a key ingredient in many famous TCM prescriptions, such as Chi Dou Dang Gui Powder. 

Rice belongs to the Metal element. It grows from water and is white in color, which gives it the ability to promote urination and prevent excessive water retention. It helps to clear excess water from the upper Jiao (the upper part of the body, including the lungs and heart). 

Red dates represent the Earth element and are known for strengthening the spleen and stomach. They help to remove water accumulation from the middle Jiao (digestive system), ensuring that digestion and energy circulation function smoothly. 

By combining these three ingredients, the body can clear excess water from the upper Jiao, middle Jiao, and lower Jiao, restoring harmony and preventing dampness-related discomfort. More importantly—this porridge is not only healthy but also absolutely delicious!