Introduction to Medicinal Diet
Gold Coin Grass and Frog Soup is a classic TCM medicinal diet, skillfully combining the effects of Gold Coin Grass to clear Heat and drain Dampness with the nourishing and delicious qualities of frog. Gold Coin Grass (dried) has a slightly cold property and enters the Liver (LR), Gallbladder (GB), Kidney (KI), and Bladder (BL) meridians. It is a commonly used herb for treating urinary stones. Frog meat is tender and nutrient-rich, capable of clearing Heat and detoxifying, as well as promoting urination to reduce edema. This soup is widely popular in the Lingnan region and is often used to assist in expelling stones and improving Dampness-Heat constitution.
When preparing, decoct *Lysimachia christinae* (golden coin grass) in water to obtain the juice, then add fresh frog and stew together. The soup should be clear and bright, with a fresh and sweet taste. *Lysimachia christinae* should be wrapped in gauze to prevent herbal residues from dispersing into the soup and affecting the texture. This medicinal cuisine not only preserves the therapeutic effects of *Lysimachia christinae* but also uses the umami of frog to make it more palatable, making it an excellent choice for daily health maintenance.
Efficacy of Medicinal Diet
The core effects of this decoction are to clear heat and drain dampness, promote diuresis and expel stones, and detoxify and reduce swelling. Lysimachia christinae (Chinese moneywort) can significantly increase urine output, promote stone expulsion, and inhibit pathogenic bacteria in the urinary system; Rana nigromaculata (black-spotted frog) assists in promoting diuresis and eliminating toxins. It has a relieving effect on symptoms caused by Damp-Heat, such as painful urination with difficulty, frequent and urgent urination, jaundice, and cholecystitis.
Modern studies have shown that *Lysimachia christinae* (Chinese moneywort) contains active constituents such as flavonoids, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antioxidant effects; *Rana* spp. (frog) is rich in high-quality protein and minerals, which can enhance immunity. Regular consumption of this soup can improve the internal Damp-Heat environment, prevent stone recurrence, and is suitable for individuals who frequently consume greasy, heavy foods or lack physical exercise.
Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinqiancao (Lysimachia christinae) is sweet and salty in taste, slightly cold in nature, and specifically enters the Liver (LR), Gallbladder (GB), Kidney (KI), and Bladder (BL) meridians. Its primary actions are to clear heat and drain dampness, as well as to unblock painful urinary dribbling and expel stones. Its medicinal potency reaches directly to the Lower Jiao, guiding damp-heat out through the urine. Tianji (Rana temporaria, frog) is sweet in taste and cool in nature, entering the Bladder (BL), Spleen (SP), and Kidney (KI) meridians. It clears heat and resolves toxin, tonifies deficiency, and promotes urination. When used together, their cold and cool natures synergize to enhance the power of clearing and draining, while the tonifying effect of Tianji can moderate the drastic nature of Jinqiancao.
This decoction also embodies the treatment principle of combining attacking and tonifying: *Lysimachia christinae* (Chinese moneywort) is primarily used to dispel pathogens, while *Rana nigromaculata* (frog) is added as an adjuvant to support righteous qi. The inclusion of *Zingiber officinale* (fresh ginger) and *Ziziphus jujuba* (Chinese date) not only warms the middle and harmonizes the stomach, but also harmonizes the medicinal properties, making the overall formula more balanced. It is particularly suitable for an excess pattern of damp-heat concurrent with insufficiency of righteous qi, such as chronic, recurrent calculi in individuals with a weak constitution.
Indications
Patients with urinary tract stones (especially calcium oxalate stones accompanied by painful urination), individuals with Damp-Heat constitution (dry mouth, yellow greasy tongue coating, sticky stools), those with cholecystitis and gallstones, patients with urinary tract infections (urethritis, cystitis), and people with a long history of alcohol consumption or a preference for rich, fatty, and sweet foods are all suitable. Additionally, healthy individuals can take it in moderation during summer or rainy/humid seasons to prevent the internal accumulation of Damp-Heat.
Those recovering from illness or with physical weakness may also consume in small amounts, but care should be taken not to overeat to avoid harming the Stomach. Children and the elderly should reduce the dosage and take it under the guidance of a physician if needed.
Contraindicated Populations
For those with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency-Cold Pattern (manifested by aversion to cold, cold abdominal pain, and loose stools), it is contraindicated, lest the cold nature aggravate the symptoms. Contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as Lysimachia christinae (Chinese moneywort) may stimulate the uterus, and frog (Rana spp.) may contain parasites. Not suitable for patients with renal insufficiency or uremia, so as not to increase the burden on the kidneys. Contraindicated for those allergic to Lysimachia christinae (Chinese moneywort) or frog.
Stones larger than 1 cm or those that have caused obstruction should not rely solely on this decoction for expulsion; prompt medical attention is necessary. Patients taking anticoagulant medications or other drugs should consult a physician. For children, the elderly, or debilitated individuals, reduce the dosage and monitor for gastrointestinal reactions.
Proportion of medicinal food ingredients in the formula
Main ingredients: Lysimachia christinae (Gold Coin Grass, dried) 30 g, frog (Rana temporaria) 300 g (about 2–3 whole, skin and internal organs removed). Auxiliary ingredients: Fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 3 slices (about 15 g), Chinese Red Dates (Ziziphus jujuba) 3 pieces (about 10 g), water 1500 ml.
Seasonings: 1-2 g of table salt, 10 ml of yellow wine (optional). Lysimachia christinae (Moneywort) should be placed in a gauze bag. The frogs must be fresh and alive, and thoroughly cleaned before being prepared as an ingredient.
Preparation Method
Pre-processing: Rinse *Lysimachiae Herba* (Jinqiancao) thoroughly and place into a gauze bag; skin and gut the frog, chop into pieces, add ginger slices and *Vinum Oryzae* (yellow rice wine), blanch for 1 minute to remove fishy odor, then drain. Soup-making: In an earthenware pot, add 1500 ml of water, place in the *Lysimachiae Herba* bag, ginger slices, and *Jujubae Fructus* (red dates). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Add the frog: Place the blanched frog pieces into the soup and continue to simmer over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes until the meat is cooked. Season: Remove the Lysimachia christinae (money grass) sachet, and season with salt to taste. The frog meat can be dipped in sauce for consumption. Note: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process, add salt only at the end, and be sure to remove the Lysimachia christinae sachet to avoid bitterness.
Drinking Tips
Best time: Take warm 30 minutes after a meal to avoid irritating the stomach on an empty stomach. Administer 1-2 times daily, with 3-5 consecutive days as one course of treatment. Taste adjustment: A small amount of rock sugar or honey dates may be added to offset bitterness; omit for diabetic patients. Storage method: Prepare fresh and consume immediately. Any leftover decoction should be strained, refrigerated, and reheated for consumption within 24 hours. Do not keep overnight.
Increase water intake: Patients with urinary stones should drink at least 1,500 mL of water daily to promote stone expulsion; avoid high-oxalate foods such as spinach and beets. Monitor reactions: Discontinue use if diarrhea or abdominal pain occurs after drinking; contraindicated in pregnant women and children; those with weak constitution should consult a physician.
Interesting recipe! I’ve heard of gold coin grass for kidney stones but never thought to pair it with frog soup. Does the frog meat add any specific medicinal benefit, or is it just for flavor? Would love to try this if it actually helps with passing stones naturally!
Interesting! I’ve heard of gold coin grass for stones, but never thought to pair it with frog. Does the frog meat actually make it palatable, or is it more of a medicinal taste? Would love to try this if it works.
Interesting! I’ve used gold coin grass tea before for kidney stones, but never thought to pair it with frog soup. Sounds like a tasty way to get the benefits. Might give this a try next time—anything beats plain herbal tea!
Interesting combo! I’ve tried gold coin grass tea before for kidney stones, but never thought to pair it with frog. Does the soup actually taste good, or is it more of a medicinal thing? Might give it a shot next time I feel a stone coming on—anything beats that pain!
Interesting recipe! I’ve heard of gold coin grass for kidney stones, but never thought to pair it with frog soup. Does the earthy taste of the herb overpower the frog’s flavor? Might give this a try for my recurring stones.