Mulberry Leaf and Imperata Root Stomach-Nourishing Soup: Medicinal Food Guide
Introduction to Medicinal Diet
Morus alba and Imperata cylindrica Nourishing Stomach Soup is a classic nourishing soup rooted in the traditional Lingnan medicinal cuisine culture. Its main ingredients are Mulberry Leaf (*Morus alba*) and Imperata Rhizome (*Imperata cylindrica*), slow-simmered with lean pork or pork ribs. The name “Nourishing Stomach Soup” highlights its core function of regulating Stomach Qi and moistening the Middle Jiao. This folk remedy has been passed down through generations and is especially favored by those who prioritize daily Spleen and Stomach care.
Mulberry Leaf (Mori Folium) is cold in nature, sweet and bitter in flavor, and enters the Lung (LU) and Liver (LV) meridians. It excels at dispersing wind-heat, clearing the Lung, and moistening dryness. White Imperata Root (Imperatae Rhizoma) is cold in nature and sweet in flavor, entering the Lung (LU), Stomach (ST), and Bladder (BL) meridians. It is adept at clearing heat and generating fluids, cooling blood, and promoting urination. When used together, they both clear heat from the upper jiao and guide damp-heat downward. Additionally, the sweet and neutral nature of meat moderates the cold and coolness, producing a soup that is clear, moist, and not greasy—cold yet without damaging the righteous qi. This combination is especially suitable for consumption in spring and summer, or when there is internal exuberance of dry-heat.
Medicinal Diet Efficacy
From a modern nutritional perspective, this soup is low in fat and light, rich in soluble dietary fiber, various vitamins, and minerals, making it suitable as a liquid supplement during intermittent fasting or early recovery from illness. Regular long-term consumption can help maintain gastric acid balance, reduce discomfort caused by Stomach Heat such as acid reflux and heartburn, and also provide auxiliary support for individuals in the recovery phase of chronic gastritis.
Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine
In TCM theory, the Stomach pertains to the Yangming Dry Earth, which likes moisture and dislikes dryness, and is most averse to blazing fire. Morus alba leaf (Mulberry leaf), entering the Lung Meridian (LU), disperses stagnant heat in the Upper Burner, allowing heat pathogens to dissipate through the skin and sweat pores. Imperata cylindrica rhizome (Cogongrass rhizome), entering the Stomach Meridian (ST), clears latent fire in the Middle Burner and guides damp-heat to be excreted through urination. The two herbs work in synergy—one dispersing, one draining—so that heat has an outlet without damaging Stomach yin. Meanwhile, Morus alba leaf also calms the Liver and brightens the eyes, while Imperata cylindrica rhizome cools the blood and stops bleeding. Together, they provide adjunctive regulation for conditions such as red eyes, headache, and bleeding gums caused by Liver fire invading the Stomach.
If a small amount of dried jujube (Fructus Jujubae) or fig (Fructus Fici) is added to the formula, it can further enhance the effect of sweet, moistening, and nourishing the stomach, embodying the principle that “sweetness can relieve urgency and sweet can tonify the center.” The overall combination reflects the medicated dietary wisdom of Chinese medicine: “clearing heat without damaging yang, and nourishing yin without hindering dampness.” It is especially suitable for the sub-healthy state of Stomach Heat with Fluid Damage (Wei Re Jin Shang) caused by modern dietary habits of rich, fatty foods, late nights, and high stress. It should be noted that those with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold (Pi Wei Xu Han) should not use this formula alone; it may be appropriate to add Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (fresh ginger) and Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (tangerine peel) to counteract its cold nature.
Indications
Mulberry Leaf and Cogongrass Rhizome Stomach-Benefiting Decoction (Sangye Maogen Yiwei Tang) is most suitable for the following six categories of people: first, those with Stomach Fire Blazing (wei huo chi sheng) and dry mouth and tongue due to frequent staying up late, smoking, alcohol consumption, and a preference for spicy and grilled foods; second, those in the late stage of spring Wind-Heat Common Cold (feng re gan mao) with unresolved residual heat and poor appetite (wei na bu zhen); third, individuals with hypertension and hyperlipidemia presenting Damp-Heat (shi re) signs such as dizziness and distension in the head and eyes, scanty dark urine, and a yellow greasy tongue coating; fourth, those with diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance—the DNJ component in Mulberry Leaf (Morus alba) aids in blood sugar regulation, while Cogongrass Rhizome (Imperata cylindrica) clears Heat without raising blood sugar.
Additionally, this soup is suitable as a daily health drink for white-collar workers who frequently work in air-conditioned offices, experience dry skin with insufficient moisture, and have dry stools, as well as for menopausal women who commonly present with hot flushes and sweating, vexation, and thirst. For children with summer-heat, poor appetite, and scanty dark urine, the meat can be removed and rock sugar added to make a sweet soup for small doses, but the amount should be reduced and spleen-stomach reactions monitored. For athletes or outdoor workers who sweat excessively, consuming this soup can help replenish fluids and electrolytes in a timely manner and alleviate fatigue.
Contraindications
Although Sangye Maogen Yiwei Tang (Mulberry Leaf and Imperata Rhizome Stomach-Nourishing Decoction) is mild in nature, it primarily exerts a cooling and draining effect. Therefore, caution or avoidance is advised for the following groups: First, those with Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency (Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold pattern)—individuals who typically experience epigastric cold pain aggravated by cold, loose stools, and a tasteless mouth without thirst may experience worsened diarrhea and abdominal distension after taking this formula. Second, pregnant women and those during menstruation—Mulberry Leaf (Mori Folium) has a mild uterine-contracting effect, while Imperata Rhizome (Imperatae Rhizoma) can accelerate blood circulation; thus, it is unsuitable during early pregnancy or for those with heavy menstrual flow. Third, patients with hypotension or hypoglycemia—Mulberry Leaf exhibits certain hypotensive and hypoglycemic activities; consuming large amounts on an empty stomach may trigger dizziness and fatigue.
People taking anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) or antihypertensive drugs are advised to consume [this herb] under medical guidance to avoid adverse reactions from compounded drug effects. Due to the high potassium content of Imperatae Rhizoma (Cogongrass rhizome, *Bai Mao Gen*), it should be avoided by individuals with renal insufficiency complicated by hyperkalemia. Furthermore, allergies to Mori Folium (Mulberry leaf, *Sang Ye*) or Imperatae Rhizoma are extremely rare; however, if rash, itching, or other allergic symptoms occur upon first use, discontinue immediately and seek medical attention. When children, the elderly, or frail individuals consume this preparation, it is recommended to reduce the amount of meat by half and extend the simmering time to lower its cold nature.
Ingredient formula ratios
Standard Formula of Mulberry Leaf and White Imperata Root Stomach-Nourishing Decoction (Suitable for 3-4 servings): Fresh mulberry leaf (Morus alba) 30g (or dried mulberry leaf 15g), fresh white imperata root (Imperata cylindrica) 60g (or dried white imperata root 30g), lean pork or pork ribs 300g, honeyed dates 2 pieces, fresh ginger 3 slices, salt to taste. This is the basic clear-moistening version. To enhance yin-nourishing effect, add glehnia root (Glehnia littoralis) 15g and solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum) 15g; to strengthen dampness-resolving effect, add coix seed (Coix lacryma-jobi) 30g and adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) 20g.
Key proportion guidelines: The ratio of mulberry leaf (Sang Ye) to cogongrass rhizome (Bai Mao Gen) should be 1:2 (based on fresh weight), ensuring sufficient heat-clearing and fluid-generating effects without being overly bitter-cold. For meat, choose lean pork or pork ribs with low fat content, resulting in a clear, non-greasy broth. Honey dates (Mi Zao) and fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang) are essential for harmonizing—honey dates provide sweetness to neutralize bitterness, while ginger warms the middle and prevents cold damage to the stomach. All ingredients should be measured precisely in grams; the conversion ratio between dried and fresh herbs is approximately 1:2. Fresh ingredients are recommended for better flavor and therapeutic efficacy.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Ingredient Preparation. Remove the tough stems from Morus alba leaves (mulberry leaves), soak in lightly salted water for 15 minutes, then rinse and drain thoroughly. Cut Imperata cylindrica rhizomes (imperata root) into 3–4 cm segments, rinse repeatedly to remove soil. Place lean pork or spare ribs in cold water in a pot, add 2 slices of Zingiber officinale rhizome (fresh ginger) and a small amount of cooking wine. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, remove and rinse with warm water; set aside. Rinse candied Ziziphus jujuba (candied jujube) and remove pits. Crush the remaining fresh ginger with the flat side of a knife.
Step 2: Soup Pot Simmering. Place the prepared lean pork or pork ribs into a clay pot or ceramic soup pot. Add enough water (about 2500 ml), then add the candied dates and ginger knob. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer gently for 40 minutes. Next, add Morus alba leaf (mulberry leaf) and Imperata cylindrica rhizome (cogongrass rhizome), and continue simmering over low heat for another 20–25 minutes. Be careful not to cover the lid tightly; leave a small gap, which helps keep the soup clear.
Step 3: Season and serve. When the soup turns a light yellow-green color and emits a faint herbal fragrance, add salt 5 minutes before turning off the heat. Taste and adjust to a slightly salty with a hint of sweetness. Remove and discard the mulberry leaves (Morus alba leaf) and cogongrass rhizome (Imperata cylindrica rhizome) residues (they have little edible value; the essence is mainly in the decoction). Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy. If using dried mulberry leaves and dried cogongrass rhizome, it is advisable to place them in a gauze bag before boiling for easier removal later. Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat before drinking.
Drinking Tips
1. The optimal drinking time is between 9–11 AM (Si Shi, Spleen Meridian time) or 3–5 PM (Shen Shi, Bladder Meridian time). During these periods, the respective meridians (SP and BL) are at their peak, allowing the active ingredients in the decoction to be more easily absorbed and utilized, thereby enhancing the effect of clearing heat and draining dampness. Avoid consuming large amounts on an empty stomach or right before bedtime, as this may lead to frequent nocturia and disturb sleep.
2. Consume 2-3 times per week, and do not take continuously for more than 4 weeks. When used as an adjunctive treatment for chronic gastritis or Damp-Heat Pattern, it is recommended to follow a 2-week regulation cycle, then rest for 1 week before resuming. For children, the elderly, and individuals with a weak constitution, it is advisable to start with once per week, observe the body’s response, and then adjust the frequency accordingly.
3. During consumption, pay attention to dietary pairing: It is advisable to eat light and easily digestible foods, while avoiding raw and cold fruits, iced beverages, spicy hotpot, and the like, so as not to counteract the soup’s effects or increase gastrointestinal burden. If mild diarrhea occurs, reduce the amount of meat and increase the ratio of fresh ginger (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens). If dry mouth worsens, add an appropriate amount of Ophiopogon japonicus (dwarf lilyturf root) or Phragmites communis (reed rhizome) when decocting.