Clear Heat & Moisten Dryness with Rush Pith Bitter Melon Soup

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Juncus effusus (Rush Pith) is the dried stem pith of Juncus effusus L. (Juncaceae). Its nature is slightly cold and its taste is sweet and bland. Since ancient times, physicians have used it to clear the heart and descend fire, as well as to promote urination and relieve stranguria. Momordica charantia (Bitter Gourd), also known as Bitter Melon, is cold in nature and bitter in taste. It clears heat, resolves toxicity, brightens the eyes, and relieves summerheat. When these two herbs are combined, with the addition of sweet jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) or fig (Ficus carica) to harmonize the bitterness, the resulting soup becomes an excellent choice for regulating the body and mind during the transition between spring and summer, as well as between summer and autumn. This soup is especially popular in Guangdong and Guangxi regions, where it serves as a daily remedy for many families dealing with “excessive internal heat” (shàng huǒ) or “dry mouth and tongue” (kǒu gān shé zào).

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

The core effects of the Dengxin Cao Ku Gua Run Zao Tang (Common Rush and Bitter Melon Moistening-Dryness Decoction) are “clearing heat and moistening dryness” (qing re run zao) as well as “calming the mind and tranquilizing the spirit” (ning xin an shen). Its formula combines clearing with moistening, and draining with supplementation, effectively eliminating both deficient fire (xu huo) and excess fire (shi huo) generated internally by dry climate, spicy diet, or accumulated heat from staying up late. Simultaneously, by nourishing yin fluids, it alleviates dryness manifestations (zao xiang) such as dry mouth, sore throat, dry skin, and scanty dark urine (xiao bian duan chi). For irritability, insomnia, mouth and tongue sores caused by exuberant heart fire (xin huo wang sheng), it also provides a soothing effect.

Additionally, this medicinal food also has the effects of “detoxifying and brightening vision” and “promoting metabolism.” The active compounds such as charantin found in bitter melon (Momordica charantia) help stimulate digestive fluid secretion and regulate blood glucose and lipids; meanwhile, Juncus effusus (dengxin cao) supports the elimination of metabolic waste from the body through its diuretic action. Therefore, regular consumption of this soup can not only alleviate various discomforts caused by “excessive internal heat” (shanghuo), but also help maintain fluid metabolism balance on a systemic level, relieve fatigue, and boost essence, qi, and spirit (jing, qi, shen).

Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Rush pith (Medulla Junci, Dengxincao) — clears the Heart and reduces fire, guides heat downward.

Juncus effusus (common rush) is sweet and bland in taste and slightly cold in nature. It enters the Heart (HT), Lung (LU), and Small Intestine (SI) meridians. According to TCM, the Heart and Small Intestine are interior-exteriorly related. Juncus effusus can clear Heart fire and guide fire-heat out through urination. Therefore, it is commonly used to treat irritability and insomnia, infantile night crying, and mouth and tongue sores. Its action is gentle and not harsh, making it especially suitable for individuals with deficiency or for children. It serves as a “guiding herb” in clear and moistening medicinal diets.

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) – bitter-cold, clears heat, brightens the eyes, and detoxifies.

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is bitter in taste and cold in nature, and enters the Heart, Spleen, and Lung meridians. Bitterness can purge, dry, and harden, so bitter melon is adept at clearing and draining accumulated heat from the Heart and Spleen. It is used to alleviate vexation and thirst in febrile diseases, heatstroke, dysentery, and similar conditions. Its vision-improving effect stems from clearing Liver fire, and it provides auxiliary relief for redness, swelling, and pain of the eyes with increased discharge caused by Liver fire flaming upward. Meanwhile, bitter melon’s “detoxifying” action is manifested in its ability to assist the Liver and Gallbladder in drainage and discharge, thereby reducing the accumulation of toxins in the body.

Pig Bone and Honeyed Jujube — Nourish Yin and Moisten Dryness, Harmonize Medicinal Properties

Pork bone or lean meat is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, capable of nourishing yin, moistening dryness, supplementing blood, and filling marrow. In the soup, it functions as an “envoy herb,” providing a nourishing base flavor while moderating the cold and cool nature of Dengxincao (Medulla Junci) and bitter melon (Momordica charantia), thereby preventing damage to the yang qi of the spleen and stomach. Honeyed jujube or fig (Ficus carica), being sweet and moist, can moisten the lung, generate fluids, and harmonize the bitter taste, making the soup more palatable while enhancing its moistening-dryness effects. This achieves the formulation goal of “bitter but not damaging, moistening but not greasy.”

Indications

1. For office workers who frequently stay up late or spend long hours in front of computers and mobile phones, leading to “Heart Fire Blazing” syndrome—manifesting as irritability, insomnia with excessive dreaming, recurrent oral ulcers, and dark yellow urine—this soup can clear the heart, calm the shen (spirit), reduce fire, and moisten dryness. 2. In dry seasons or for individuals who are in air-conditioned environments for extended periods and experience dry mouth and throat, sore and dry throat, or rough, peeling skin, this soup can clear heat, generate fluids, and nourish the skin. 3. For those with mild to moderate hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia who have a heat constitution, moderate consumption under medical guidance may assist in regulating metabolism.

4. When children or adolescents experience symptoms such as restlessness, poor concentration, night sweats, prickly heat, or eczema during late spring and early summer—conditions attributed to “Heart Fire Blazing” (心火旺)—it is appropriate to consume this soup in moderation, with a reduced dosage and an adjusted proportion of bitter melon (Momordica charantia). 5. For individuals who develop “heat symptoms” (上火)—including halitosis, constipation, and swollen painful gums—after consuming a diet rich in spicy, barbecued, or fried drying-heating foods, drinking this soup can quickly clear and resolve accumulated heat in the Stomach and Intestines, restoring a cool and refreshed state to the body.

Contraindicated populations

1. Caution in individuals with Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold pattern. Those who usually experience stomach pain, diarrhea, poor appetite, aversion to cold, and loose unformed stools may find that the cold nature of *Juncus effusus* (common rush) and *Momordica charantia* (bitter melon) in this soup aggravates the Spleen and Stomach, leading to indigestion or worsening diarrhea. If consumption is desired, it is recommended to add warming ingredients such as *Zingiber officinale* (ginger) and *Ziziphus jujuba* (Chinese date/jujube) to harmonize the medicinal properties. 2. Pregnant and lactating women should decide on consumption under the guidance of a licensed TCM practitioner, as the cold nature of this soup may affect the fetus or, through breast milk, impact the infant’s digestive system.

3. Individuals with qi deficiency or yang deficiency, such as those who are constitutionally weak, suffer from prolonged illness without recovery, present with emaciation and fatigue, or have shortness of breath and a weak voice, should not use this soup alone, as it is cold-natured and may consume qi. 4. Contraindicated in those allergic to *Momordica charantia* (bitter melon) or *Juncus effusus* (rush pith). 5. For those currently taking warming and tonifying Chinese herbs (e.g., *Panax ginseng*, *Astragalus membranaceus*, *Cervus elaphus* velvet, etc.) or other medications, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to avoid potential herb-drug interactions. Furthermore, when giving this soup to children, reduce the amount of bitter melon appropriately and increase the honey jujubes (*Ziziphus jujuba* processed with honey) to harmonize the flavor.

Ingredient formula ratio

Medulla Junci (Juncus effusus, common rush) 5 g – dried product preferred; if using fresh, increase the amount accordingly. Momordica charantia (bitter melon) 200 g – choose fresh, dark green, thick-fleshed bitter melon, remove pith and cut into pieces. Lean pork or pork bones 300 g – pork shank or pork spine is recommended, as they are rich in collagen and yield a richer broth. Honeyed jujube (Ziziphus jujuba, jujube dates) 2 pieces (approx. 30 g), or substitute with dried fig (Ficus carica) 3 pieces (approx. 25 g) for seasoning and moistening. Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) 3 slices (approx. 6 g), to harmonize the stomach, direct qi downward, and balance the cold nature of the ingredients.

According to standard TCM culinary principles, use 1500-1800 ml of purified water or natural spring water to avoid the influence of chlorine from tap water on the soup’s flavor. Additionally, add a pinch of salt (approx. 2 g, for seasoning before serving) and a small amount of cooking oil (approx. 3 ml, for blanching bitter melon). For those preferring a sweeter taste or seeking to enhance lung-moistening effects, optionally add 10 g of dried Lily Bulb (Bulbus Lilii) or 6 g of Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber (Radix Ophiopogonis). The above proportions serve 2-3 persons; for single servings, reduce amounts proportionally.

Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Quickly rinse the Juncus Stem (Medulla Junci) under cold water once to remove surface dust—no need to soak. Wash the Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia), cut it in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to remove the seeds and the white inner membrane (this part is the most bitter). Slice it into crescent-shaped pieces about 2 cm thick. Place the lean pork or pork bones in a pot with cold water, add 1 slice of fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off any foam, then remove and rinse with warm water.

Step 2: Prepare the bitter melon. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt and a few drops of cooking oil. Blanch the bitter melon pieces for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then remove and immediately rinse with cold water. This helps reduce bitterness, maintain a vibrant green color, and remove some oxalic acid, resulting in a milder soup. Wrap the rush (Medulla Junci, Juncus effusus) in a gauze bag (or use directly). Rinse the honeyed jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) and remove the pits. Set aside.

Step three: Make the soup. Place all the prepared ingredients—the blanched lean meat or pork bones, bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) chunks, rush pith (Medulla Junci) bag, pitted honey dates, and the remaining 2 slices of ginger—into a soup pot. Add 1500–1800 ml of water (enough to submerge the ingredients by about 3 cm). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 1.2–1.5 hours. If using an electric slow cooker, select the “soup” mode.

Step 4: Season and serve. Once the soup is done, remove the lid and take out the Medulla Junci (Common Rush) sachet (or the residue). Add a pinch of salt to taste according to personal preference (since the candied jujube already provides sweetness, use less salt). Stir well, then ladle into bowls and drink while warm. Avoid prolonged warming or repeated reheating to preserve the soup’s fresh flavor and optimal medicinal efficacy.

Consumption Tips

1. Frequency and Timing of Consumption: This decoction is cool in nature; it is recommended to consume 2–3 times per week, and not suitable for daily intake. The optimal drinking time is in the morning or afternoon; avoid consumption in the evening, as its diuretic effect may disrupt sleep. Continuous consumption should not exceed two weeks; a 3–5 day interval before resuming is more appropriate. For children, it is advised to take half a bowl per serving, 1–2 times per week.

2. Compatibility modifications and constitutional adjustments: If the bitterness is too strong, appropriately increase the amount of honeyed jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba) or extend the blanching time for bitter melon (Momordica charantia). For those with a Spleen and Stomach Cold pattern, add 5–6 slices of fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) and 10 g of goji berry (Lycium barbarum) to the soup to warm the middle and fortify the root. To enhance the lung-moistening effect, add 10 g of washed dried lily bulb (Lilium brownii var. viridulum) 10 minutes before removing from heat. In summer, the soup may be refrigerated before consumption, but those with sensitive stomach and intestines should avoid cold drinks.

3. Reuse and Storage of Ingredients: The pork bones or lean meat used in soup still contain certain nutrients after simmering. They can be removed and eaten with a small amount of soy sauce, but should not be boiled again with the soup for too long. Any leftover soup should be allowed to cool naturally before being refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours. When reheating, the soup must be brought to a full boil; do not drink it cold or simply warm it in a microwave. If the soup develops an off smell or becomes cloudy, it has spoiled and must not be consumed.

4. Precautions for Special Periods: During the menstrual period, it is recommended to discontinue consumption of this decoction to avoid coldness causing dysmenorrhea or decreased menstrual flow. In the early stage of a common cold with fever, if symptoms such as aversion to cold and clear nasal discharge indicate a Wind-Cold pattern, it is not suitable for consumption; if symptoms such as high fever, sore throat, and yellow phlegm indicate a Wind-Heat pattern, it may be consumed in moderation. While taking medications, especially heat-clearing Western drugs or tonifying Chinese herbal medicines, it is advised to wait at least 2 hours before drinking this decoction to avoid interactions between medicinal properties.