Light Wheat and Pig Heart Soup: Calm the Heart and Stop Sweating

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Light Wheat and Pig Heart Soup (Fructus Tritici Levis cum Cor Suis Potio) is a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) medicinal diet, with a long history and an important place among folk dietary remedies. This soup uses light wheat (Fructus Tritici Levis) and pig heart (Cor Suis) as the main ingredients, supplemented with a small amount of seasoning, and is prepared by slow simmering. Light wheat consists of the unripe fruits of common wheat; it is cool in nature and sweet in taste, specifically entering the Heart Meridian (HT). Pig heart is regarded as an excellent choice for “like treating like” (visceral correspondence). When combined, the soup has a clear broth, a mild and harmonious flavor, with a faint aroma of grain. It serves both as a daily delicacy and as an effective formula for nourishing the Heart and calming the Spirit (yang xin an shen).

The creation of this medicinal food is deeply influenced by the Traditional Chinese Medicine concept of “medicine and food sharing the same origin.” It was first recorded in multiple folk dietary therapy classics, and later, modern nutritional science partially validated its components and effects at a scientific level. Fructus Tritici Levis (light wheat) is rich in starch, protein, and various trace elements, while pig heart contains abundant heme iron, high-quality protein, and B vitamins. When combined and slow-cooked into a soup, not only is the flavor delicious, but it also subtly regulates the body through diet, making it especially suitable as a daily health supplement for those living a fast-paced modern lifestyle with high mental stress.

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

Nourish the Heart and calm the spirit to improve sleep.

The most prominent efficacy of Floating Wheat and Pig Heart Decoction is to nourish the heart and calm the spirit. Floating wheat (Fructus Tritici Levis) enters the Heart Meridian (HT), able to astringe heart qi and stabilize the spirit; pig heart directly tonifies the heart and enhances myocardial function. Their synergistic action yields significant improvement for conditions such as insomnia with excessive dreaming, easy startling, and light sleep caused by heart qi deficiency and spirit disturbance. Regular moderate consumption can help stabilize emotions, improve sleep quality, and keep one refreshed during the day.

Supplement qi, astringe sweating, secure the exterior, and stop diarrhea.

This soup also has a notable effect of supplementing qi and arresting sweating. *Fructus Tritici Levis* (light wheat) is particularly effective for spontaneous sweating and night sweating, especially profuse sweating at night that ceases upon waking—a type of deficient sweating. *Sus scrofa domestica* (pig heart) supplements qi and nourishes blood, strengthening the body’s consolidating ability. Meanwhile, the proteins and trace elements in the soup aid in tissue repair and enhance immunity, making it an ideal tonic medicated diet for individuals with qi deficiency and frailty, who are prone to colds and sweat upon slight exertion.

Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, the core action of Floating Wheat and Pig Heart Soup lies in “tonifying Heart Qi and calming the Shen (spirit)”. TCM holds that “the Heart governs the blood vessels and houses the Shen” – when Heart Qi is sufficient, the blood vessels flow smoothly and the mind is clear; when Heart Qi is deficient, symptoms such as palpitations, forgetfulness, insomnia, and excessive sweating may arise. Floating Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is sweet in flavor and cool in nature, enters the Heart Meridian (HT), and serves to nourish Heart Qi, clear deficiency heat, and stop sweating – it is a key herb for treating Heart deficiency sweating patterns. Pig heart, used on the principle of “like treats like,” enters the Heart Meridian (HT) and can supplement blood and nourish the Heart, calm the Shen and settle fright – it is suitable for various states of unsettled spirit due to Heart Qi deficiency or Heart Blood insufficiency.

When used together, Fructus Tritici Levis (light wheat) clears the Heart and alleviates restlessness above, astringes sweating and consolidates the exterior, while pig heart nourishes blood and nourishes the Heart below, supplements Qi and calms the Spirit. One clears and the other supplements, bringing out the best in each other. Additionally, adding small amounts of Fructus Jujubae (red dates) and Radix Glycyrrhizae (licorice root) as auxiliary ingredients can further enhance the effects of harmonizing the Nutritive and Defensive, supplementing the Middle and boosting Qi, making the overall regulatory effect of this medicated diet more comprehensive. From the perspective of nature, flavor, and channel tropism, this soup is balanced in nature—neither cold nor drying—and is suitable for long-term regulation by most constitutional types.

Indications

Light wheat and pig heart soup is particularly suitable for individuals with Heart Qi Deficiency and an unsettled Heart Spirit. Such individuals often present with palpitations and a tendency to be easily startled, chest tightness and shortness of breath, mental tension, insomnia with excessive dreaming, and poor memory. Whether it is students experiencing high mental stress during exam preparation, or professionals suffering from Heart Spirit exhaustion due to prolonged overtime work and late nights, drinking this soup can help calm the Heart Spirit and relieve fatigue. It also has a good regulating effect on menopausal women with Heart-Kidney Disharmony, manifesting as hot flashes and night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

Additionally, this decoction is highly suitable for patients with Qi deficiency presenting with spontaneous sweating or night sweating. Whether it is due to recovery from a severe illness, postpartum weakness, or senile debility resulting in excessive sweating with little exertion, consuming Light Wheat and Pig Heart Decoction can help alleviate these symptoms. For children experiencing night sweating and restless sleep due to Spleen and Stomach deficiency, moderate consumption of this decoction under the guidance of a TCM practitioner often yields favorable results. For individuals who regularly engage in high-intensity exercise or physical labor, this decoction can also help replenish energy and consolidate the body’s righteous Qi.

Contraindicated populations

Although Floating Wheat and Pig Heart Soup is mild in nature and flavor, it is not suitable for everyone. It should be used with caution in individuals with Dampness Exuberance with Middle Burner Fullness (湿盛中满) or Phlegm-Heat Internal Accumulation (痰热内蕴). Floating Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has an astringent nature, which may aggravate dampness and obstruct the stomach in people with internal exuberance of dampness turbidity (湿浊内盛) presenting with a thick, greasy tongue coating, epigastric and abdominal distention and fullness, profuse phlegm with cough, and sticky, sluggish stools. Such individuals should first clear and drain damp-heat (清利湿热) and only consider taking the soup after resolving the dampness turbidity in the body.

Additionally, it should not be consumed when exterior pathogen has not yet been resolved or during exterior pattern fever. If one is currently experiencing a common cold with fever, cough and runny nose, or suffering from acute infectious diseases, the body’s right qi is actively combating external pathogens; premature supplementation should be avoided to prevent “closing the door to trap the bandit” (locking the pathogen inside). Pig heart is an animal organ; patients with hypercholesterolemia, hyperuricemia, or gout should consume it in limited amounts or adjust the dosage under medical advice. It is contraindicated for individuals allergic to pork or any of its ingredients. Children and pregnant women should decide whether to consume it under the guidance of a TCM practitioner, based on individual body constitution.

Herbal Formula Ingredient Proportions

The classic formula for Light Wheat and Pig Heart Soup is as follows: Light Wheat (Fu Xiao Mai) 30 g, fresh pig heart 1 piece (approximately 200–250 g), red dates (Fructus Jujubae, pitted) 6 pieces, licorice (Radix Glycyrrhizae) 3 g, fresh ginger 3 slices, and a pinch of salt. This ratio serves 2–3 people and can be adjusted proportionally according to actual headcount. The dosage of Light Wheat should be 30 g; excessive use may render the soup astringent in taste. The pig heart should be of moderate size—too small yields weak efficacy, while too large may cause cloying greasiness.

Choose medium-sized dried red dates (Ziziphus jujuba), remove the pits, and use them together with licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) to enhance the actions of supplementing qi and fortifying the middle, as well as harmonizing the medicinal properties. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) not only removes fishy odors and enhances aroma, but also restrains the cold nature of floating wheat (Triticum aestivum), making the decoction more neutral. Salt should be added last, just before removing from heat, in an amount that yields a slight saltiness—avoid over-salting, as it may affect the medicinal efficacy. To further strengthen the qi-supplementing effect, add 10 g of astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus); for severe night sweats, add 15 g of sour jujube seed (Ziziphus spinosa, crushed). All ingredients are readily available at Chinese herbal pharmacies or supermarkets, making them convenient to obtain.

Preparation Method

Step 1, prepare the ingredients. Rinse the floating wheat (Fuxiaomai) quickly with clean water twice to remove dust and impurities, then soak it in clean water for 30 minutes to allow full absorption and expansion. Split open the pig heart, carefully clean out any residual blood clots inside the cavity, and cut into thin slices about 0.5 cm thick. Place the slices in clean water, repeatedly knead and rinse until the water runs clear and free of blood. Remove the pits from the red dates (jujubes), slice the fresh ginger, and rinse the licorice root (Gancao) briefly with clean water. Set aside.

Step two: Blanch to remove the fishy odor. Place the sliced pig heart into boiling water and blanch for approximately 1-2 minutes. Once the pig heart changes color and blood foam rises, remove it immediately and rinse thoroughly with warm water. This step effectively eliminates the fishy taste of the pig heart and some purines, resulting in a purer soup flavor. Do not blanch for too long, otherwise the pig heart will become tough and firm, affecting the texture.

Step 3: Simmer into Soup. Place a clay pot or stewing bowl, and add the soaked Fructus Tritici Levis (light wheat) (along with the soaking water), blanched pig heart slices, Fructus Jujubae (red dates), Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (licorice root), and Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (fresh ginger) together. Add enough water (about 1500 ml) so that the water level is about 3-4 cm above the ingredients. First bring to a boil over high heat, skim off any surface foam, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1.5–2 hours. Cook until the soup turns a light yellow color, the Fructus Tritici Levis is fully burst open, and the pig heart is tender and flaky, then turn off the heat. Add salt to taste 5 minutes before removing from the pot, stir well, and serve.

Drinking Tips

1. Optimal Consumption Time and Frequency: Light Wheat and Pig Heart Soup (Fu Xiao Mai Zhu Xin Tang) is recommended to be taken warm in the afternoon or before dinner, when yin qi gradually rises, facilitating spirit calming and tranquility. Consume 2–3 times per week, with a continuous course of 3–4 weeks as one regulation cycle. Avoid large amounts at once to prevent digestive burden. For those with severe insomnia, a small warm bowl one hour before bedtime can help quiet the heart, calm the spirit, and promote sleep.

2. Compatibility and Contraindications: During the period of consuming this decoction, the diet should be light and bland, avoiding spicy, greasy, and raw-cold foods to prevent interference with the absorption of the medicinal effects. It is not advisable to take it concurrently with strong tea, coffee, etc., as caffeine may stimulate the nerves and counteract the decoction’s sedative (mind-calming) effect. If other medications are being taken simultaneously, it is recommended to consume this decoction after an interval of at least one hour. Furthermore, Fructus Tritici Levis (floating wheat) is different from Fructus Hordei Germinatus (stir-fried malt) and has no lactation-reducing effect; breastfeeding women may consume it in moderation under the guidance of a physician.

3. Storage and Reuse Method: This decoction is best consumed on the same day it is prepared. If a larger quantity is made, the remaining soup can be strained to remove the dregs, cooled, and then sealed and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When reheating the next day, it must be brought to a full boil to sterilize and the flavor adjusted as needed. However, note that repeated heating may cause some loss of active constituents, so it is advisable to prepare only the amount needed. During the summer months when temperatures are high, the prepared decoction should be placed in the refrigerator within 2 hours to prevent spoilage.

4. Constitutional Adjustment Recommendations: Patients with different body constitutions may make appropriate modifications to the base formula. For those with marked Qi deficiency, add 10-15g of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) to the decoction. For those with Yin deficiency and dry mouth/thirst, add 10g of Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong) and 5g of Schisandra chinensis (Wuweizi). For those with severe Phlegm-Dampness, add 5g of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi) and 10g of Poria cocos (Fuling) to resolve damp turbidity. All modifications should ideally be made under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner or professional dietary therapist to ensure safety and efficacy.