Plantain Herb Pig Stomach Soup: Benefits and How to Make

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Plantago asiatica (che qian cao) simmered with pig stomach is a time-honored traditional medicinal dish from Lingnan region, skillfully combining the heat-clearing and dampness-draining properties of Plantago asiatica with the spleen- and stomach-warming and tonifying effects of pig stomach. This medicinal dish is especially popular in Guangdong, Fujian, and surrounding areas, where it is commonly used in folk tradition as a dietary therapy to dispel dampness and strengthen the spleen during the transition from spring to summer. Plantago asiatica is sweet and cold in nature, entering the Liver, Kidney, and Bladder meridians (LR, KI, BL), while pig stomach is warm and sweet, capable of tonifying deficiency and strengthening the spleen and stomach (SP, ST). The combination of the two creates a synergistic effect.

When preparing, wash fresh *Plantago asiatica* (Asian plantain) and combine it with thoroughly cleaned pork stomach, then slow-cook over low heat. The resulting soup is clear with a slight yellow hue, carrying a faint herbal fragrance. After prolonged simmering, the pork stomach becomes tender and palatable, while the broth is savory with a subtle sweet aftertaste. This medicinal food can serve as a daily nourishing soup and is also commonly used to assist in regulating discomforts caused by Damp-Heat patterns, such as dysuria, or summer-dampness-induced diarrhea.

Historical Origins

The medicinal use of Plantago asiatica (Chinese plantain) can be traced back to the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Husbandman’s Materia Medica), where it was classified as an upper-grade herb. The inclusion of pig stomach in dietary therapy is also recorded in the *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica). The folk wisdom of combining these two ingredients vividly embodies the principle of “medicine and food share the same origin” (*yao shi tong yuan*) in Chinese medicinal dietetics.

Therapeutic Effects of Medicinal Diet

The core efficacy of Plantaginis Herba (plantain herb) decocted with pig stomach lies in the dual regulation of clearing heat and draining dampness, as well as fortifying the spleen and harmonizing the stomach. Plantaginis Herba has a good effect of promoting urination and relieving stranguria, helping the body expel excess damp-heat, and alleviating symptoms such as scanty, dark urine with painful urination. Pig stomach can supplement and boost the spleen and stomach, enhance digestive and absorptive functions, and improve symptoms of spleen and stomach deficiency like poor appetite, abdominal distension, and loose stools.

This medicinal diet also has the effect of nourishing yin and moistening dryness. Although Plantain Herb (Plantago asiatica) is cold in nature, it does not damage yin. Pig stomach, rich in collagen and various amino acids, can nourish stomach yin and moisten the skin. For individuals with interior damp-heat complicated by spleen and stomach deficiency, consuming this diet can clear damp-heat while strengthening the spleen and stomach, achieving a balanced state of supporting the right and eliminating the evil. Additionally, the nutrients dissolved in the soup can help repair the stomach mucosa, providing adjuvant therapy for patients with chronic gastritis.

Modern research has found that active components in Plantaginis Herba (plantain herb), such as plantamajoside and aucubin, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, while pig stomach is rich in protein, vitamin B12, and iron, which help improve nutrient absorption and address anemia. The synergy between these two ingredients endows this medicinal diet with dual value of both regulating and tonifying.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

From the perspective of TCM pattern differentiation, Plantago asiatica (che qian cao) decocted with pork stomach primarily addresses the Damp-Heat Encumbering the Spleen pattern. When the body contracts external damp-heat pathogens, or when improper diet leads to internally generated damp-heat, clinical manifestations often include heavy sensation and fatigue, bitter taste and sticky sensation in the mouth, dark yellow urine, and unsmooth defecation. Plantago asiatica specifically enters the Bladder Meridian (BL), guiding damp-heat to drain through urination. As recorded in the *Compendium of Materia Medica* (Ben Cao Gang Mu): “It guides heat from the Small Intestine and stops summer-damp diarrhea and dysentery.”

In the formula, Pig’s Stomach plays an important moderating role. Plantain Herb (Plantaginis Herba) is cold in nature; if used alone over a long period, it can easily damage the yang qi of the Spleen and Stomach. Pig’s Stomach, being warm in nature and sweet in taste, can tonify the Middle Qi and warm-nourish the Spleen and Stomach, precisely counteracting the cold-cool nature of Plantain Herb. At the same time, Pig’s Stomach also guides the medicinals into the Spleen Meridian (SP), enhancing Plantain Herb’s effect of clearing Damp-Heat from the Spleen and Stomach, thus forming a subtle combination of “clearing with supplementation, supplementation without stagnation.”

In addition, this medicinal diet embodies the TCM therapeutic principle of “promoting urination to consolidate stools” (利小便实大便). Plantago asiatica (Plantain Herb) uses its diuretic effect to provide an outlet for Dampness pathogens, thereby indirectly improving diarrhea caused by the downward flow of Dampness. Pig stomach (pork stomach) can astringe the intestines and enhance the Spleen’s transport and transformation function. Their combination effectively alleviates Damp-Heat Diarrhea.

Indicated Population

Those with a Damp-Heat constitution are most suitable. Such individuals often present with a greasy face, tendency to develop acne, bitter taste and dry mouth, short and yellow urine, and sticky, unformed stools. For those who have accumulated Damp-Heat due to prolonged exposure to damp environments or excessive consumption of rich, fatty, and sweet foods, a soup of Plantago asiatica (plantain herb) and pig stomach can effectively help clear Damp-Heat and improve the constitution.

People with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency accompanied by mild Damp-Heat are also suitable for taking this remedy, such as those who usually have poor appetite, postprandial abdominal distension, a heavy sensation in the body, and a white, greasy or slightly yellow tongue coating. In such individuals, simply tonifying the Spleen may exacerbate Dampness, while simply clearing Heat may damage the Stomach. This medicinal diet addresses both aspects simultaneously. In addition, patients with chronic gastritis or gastric ulcer in remission stage, as well as those with recurrent mild urinary tract infections, may also use it as an adjunctive dietary therapy under the guidance of a physician.

During the summer damp-heat season, when symptoms such as loss of appetite, spirit fatigue, and difficult urination (dysuria) occur, consuming this medicinal food can provide significant relief. For modern individuals with irregular dietary habits and frequent alcohol consumption leading to spleen-stomach dysfunction, this medicinal food also serves as a gentle regulating option.

Contraindicated populations

Patients with Spleen-stomach deficiency cold pattern should avoid taking this herb. Such individuals often present with aversion to cold and preference for warmth, cold hands and feet, loose stools, a pale tongue with a white slippery coating. If they take the cold-natured Plantain Herb (Plantago asiatica), it may aggravate the symptoms of Spleen-stomach deficiency cold, leading to discomfort such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. If patients with deficiency-cold constitution indeed need to use it, they can combine it with warming ingredients such as Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) to warm the Middle Jiao under the guidance of a physician.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use with caution. Plantago asiatica (plantain herb) has a diuretic effect that may affect electrolyte balance, and pork stomach (pig tripe) is relatively high in cholesterol, so excessive consumption may increase the body’s burden. Additionally, individuals allergic to pork stomach or plantain herb are prohibited from consuming it. Those taking other medications, particularly diuretics and antihypertensive drugs, should consult a doctor before deciding whether to consume it, in order to avoid potential drug interactions.

During the acute stage of acute gastroenteritis, characterized by severe vomiting, profuse diarrhea, and fever, this formula should not be taken. At this point, the Spleen and Stomach functions are severely impaired, and a light liquid diet should be used for initial dietary regulation. Only after the acute symptoms have subsided should a medicated diet be considered. Patients with renal insufficiency should also use it with caution, as the diuretic effect of Plantain Herb (Plantago asiatica) may increase the burden on the kidneys.

Ratio of food ingredients in the formula

Main ingredients: 100 grams of fresh Plantago asiatica (Plantain) (or 20 grams of dried herb), 1 fresh pig stomach (approx. 500 grams). For Plantago asiatica, choose specimens with intact leaves, vibrant green color, and no yellow leaves. For the pig stomach, select a portion that is pink in color, firm and elastic, and free of any off-odor.

Supplementary ingredients: 15g Zingiber officinale (fresh ginger, sliced), 6 Ziziphus jujuba (red jujubes, pitted), 5g Lycium barbarum (goji berries), and salt to taste. The ginger removes fishy odors and warms the Stomach; the red jujubes tonify Qi and nourish the Blood; the goji berries nourish Yin and moisten Dryness. These supplementary ingredients enhance the harmonizing effect of the medicinal food. Use approximately 2000 ml of clean water. If the liquid reduces during cooking, replenish with an appropriate amount of boiling water.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the pork tripe. Turn the pork tripe inside out and rub it repeatedly with flour and salt to remove the mucus and any unpleasant odor. Rinse thoroughly under clean water, then blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes. Remove, scrape off the white inner membrane, and cut into strips about 3 cm wide. Set aside. This step is essential for eliminating the fishy smell of the tripe.

Step 2: Process the Plantago asiatica (Plantain Herb). For fresh herb, remove the old leaves and roots, soak in clean water for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly 2–3 times, and drain well. For dried herb, soak in warm water for 10 minutes, rinse, and remove. Slice fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) and remove the pits from the red dates (Ziziphus jujuba).

Step 3: Slow-Cooking. Place the prepared pork stomach into a clay pot, add ginger slices and enough water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 40 minutes. Then add Plantain Herb (Plantago asiatica), jujube dates, and goji berries (Lycium barbarum). Continue to simmer over low heat for another 20-30 minutes, until the pork stomach is tender and the broth is rich. Before turning off the heat, season with an appropriate amount of salt. Remove the Plantain Herb before serving.

Consumption Tips

It is advisable to consume it 1–2 times per week, for no more than 4 consecutive weeks. This medicinal food is balanced in nature, but Plantago asiatica (plantain herb) is cold in nature, so it should not be consumed excessively or too frequently. Each serving should be about one bowl (approximately 250 ml). Drink the soup and eat the meat; the pork stomach can be dipped in a little soy sauce or minced garlic to enhance the flavor.

2. The optimal times for consumption are between 9-11 AM and 3-5 PM. These periods correspond to the Spleen Meridian (SP) and Bladder Meridian (BL) being at their peak, respectively, allowing this medicinal meal to more effectively achieve its effects of fortifying the spleen and disinhibiting dampness. It may be taken on an empty stomach or one hour after a meal, but avoid consuming it before bedtime to prevent frequent urination that could disrupt sleep.

3. Pay attention to dietary choices during administration. A light diet is recommended, avoiding spicy, greasy, and raw or cold foods to prevent compromising the efficacy of the medicinal meal. It is appropriate to incorporate spleen-fortifying and dampness-dispelling ingredients such as Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Chinese yam) and Coicis Semen (coix seed) into the diet. If mild diarrhea occurs after taking the meal, reduce the amount of Plantaginis Herba (plantain herb) or increase the amount of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (fresh ginger). In case of severe diarrhea or other discomforts, discontinue consumption and consult a TCM practitioner.