Stewed Pig Heart with Polygala and Poria for Calming the Spirit

Introduction to Medicinal Food

“Steamed Pig Heart with Polygala and Poria (Yuanzhi Fushen Dun Zhuxin)” is a traditional sedative medicinal diet, rooted in the TCM dietary therapeutic principle of “organ-supplementing-organ” (yi zang bu zang). It is especially suitable for individuals presenting with heart-spirit unease (xin shen bu ning) and nocturnal restlessness (ye mei bu an). This medicated diet features two key tranquilizing herbs: Polygala tenuifolia (Yuanzhi) and Poria cocos (Fushen, the pine-root-infused sclerotium), combined with pig heart (zhu xin)—a substance of blood and flesh (xue rou you qing zhi pin) that has an affinity for the heart. Through slow stewing, the medicinal potency penetrates deeply into the ingredient, thereby nourishing the heart and calming the spirit (yang xin an shen), as well as harmonizing the heart and kidney (jiao tong xin shen).

Polygala tenuifolia (Yuan Zhi) is the dried root of a plant in the Polygalaceae family. It is warm in nature, bitter and pungent in taste, and enters the Heart (HT), Kidney (KI), and Lung (LU) meridians. Poria cocos with pine root (Fu Shen) is the portion of Poria sclerotium that encloses the pine root. It is neutral in nature, sweet and bland in taste, and enters the Heart (HT) and Spleen (SP) meridians. Pig heart is sweet and salty in taste, neutral in nature, and enters the Heart (HT) meridian; it tonifies blood and nourishes the Heart. The combination of the three has been highly recommended by physicians throughout the history of Chinese medicinal food therapy, especially for modern high-stress individuals suffering from various symptoms of Heart spirit malnourishment due to excessive pensiveness and depletion of Heart blood.

The Origins and Transmission of Medicinal Food

Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix) and Fu Shen (Poria cum Radice Pini) Stewed with Pig Heart first appeared in the dietary therapy formulas of the Song dynasty’s *Taiping Shenghui Fang* (*Formulas from the Peaceful Sage’s Benevolent Dispensary*). Through continuous enrichment and refinement by medical practitioners of the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, it gradually became a widely circulated folk dietary therapy formula for calming the spirit (an shen). The Qing dynasty’s *Suixi Ju Yin Shi Pu* (*Dietary Guide for Leisurely Living*) even listed pig heart alone as an essential item for supplementing the Heart (bu xin), stating that it “supplements the Heart and treats absent-mindedness, palpitations, and fright.” When combined with Yuan Zhi and Fu Shen, the medicine and food complement each other synergistically.

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

The primary efficacy of stewed pig heart with Polygala tenuifolia (Yuan Zhi) and Poria cocos (Fu Shen) lies in nourishing the heart and calming the spirit. For symptoms such as difficulty falling asleep, dream-disturbed sleep with easy awakening, daytime lassitude, and memory loss caused by work-related stress and mental tension, consistent consumption can significantly improve sleep quality, allowing the heart-spirit to be nourished and the mind to be at ease. According to modern pharmacological research, the saponins in Polygala tenuifolia have sedative, calming, and anti-anxiety effects, while the polysaccharides in Poria cocos can regulate nervous system function.

This medicinal food dish also has the comprehensive effects of nourishing blood and calming the heart, as well as restoring the normal communication between the heart and kidney. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the heart governs the blood and vessels and houses the spirit (Shen), while the kidney governs the bones, produces marrow, and connects with the brain. When heart blood is deficient, symptoms such as palpitations, a sallow complexion, dizziness, and forgetfulness may appear. In the stew of pig heart with Yuan Zhi (Polygala tenuifolia) and Fu Shen (Poria cocos), the pig heart is rich in heme iron, high-quality protein, and various trace elements, effectively supplementing heart blood deficiency. Additionally, Yuan Zhi guides heart fire downward to warm kidney water, while Fu Shen leads kidney water upward to restrain heart fire, thereby restoring the normal communicative relationship between the heart and kidney.

Regulate autonomic nervous function.

From a modern medical perspective, this medicinal food (yao shan) positively regulates autonomic nervous system dysfunction. It reduces sympathetic nerve excitability, enhances parasympathetic activity, stabilizes heart rate, and gently modulates blood pressure. This provides significant relief from autonomic imbalance symptoms such as palpitations, hand tremors, and sweating.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

In the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the core mechanism of “Yuan Zhi and Fu Shen Stewed Pork Heart” lies in “calming the spirit (an shen ding zhi) and harmonizing the heart and kidney (jiao tong xin shen).” Yuan Zhi (Polygala tenuifolia, Chinese Senega) is listed as a top-grade herb in the *Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing* (Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), which states it can “supplement deficiencies, expel pathogenic qi, benefit the nine orifices, enhance wisdom and intelligence, sharpen hearing and vision, improve memory, and strengthen willpower and physical strength.” Fu Shen (Poria cocos with hostwood, Fu Shen) is specialized in “quieting the heart and calming the spirit (ning xin an shen),” and is effective for treating palpitations, anxiety (xin ji zheng chong), insomnia, and forgetfulness (shi mian jian wang). When combined, Fu Shen holds the interior to calm the spirit, while Yuan Zhi moves through the channels to open the orifices, ensuring that heart qi remains anchored internally without escaping outward, and that the mind remains clear and unclouded.

The pig heart plays a dual role in the formula as both a “medicinal guide” and a “dietary nourishment.” Following the TCM principle of “like-treats-like” (using organs to supplement corresponding organs), the pig heart is believed to directly supplement the heart’s qi and blood, enabling the medicinal substances to act more effectively on the Heart Meridian. At the same time, the pig heart is rich in various amino acids and trace elements, inherently possessing the ability to nourish the heart and calm the spirit. The combination of these three ingredients—Yuanzhi (Radix Polygalae) opens the orifices while Fushen (Poria cum Radix Pini) secures and guards, Fushen calms the middle while the pig heart nourishes—forms a sophisticated配伍 pattern of “opening with closing, supplementation with unblocking,” ensuring that the heart spirit is both nourished and free from stagnation.

Essential Principles of Classical Formula Compatibility

It is noteworthy that the dosage ratio of Yuanzhi (Polygala tenuifolia) to Fushen (Poria cum Radice Pini) must be rationally controlled. Typically, the dosage of Yuanzhi should be slightly less than that of Fushen. This is because Yuanzhi is warm in nature and偏向 dispersing, while Fushen is neutral in nature and偏向 consolidating. Only when consolidation is primary and dispersion is secondary can the optimal effect of calming the spirit without consuming qi, and nourishing the heart without retaining pathogens be achieved. If the dosage of Yuanzhi is too large, it may instead disturb the heart spirit, producing the opposite effect. If the dosage of Fushen is too heavy, it may cause stagnation of qi movement, affecting the free flow of the heart vessels.

Indications

The stewed pig heart with Polygala Root (Radix Polygalae) and Poria with Pine Root (Poria cum Radice Pini) is particularly suitable for individuals with Heart Blood Deficiency and Spirit Malnourishment (xīn xuè bù zú, xīn shén shī yǎng) resulting from excessive rumination and overstrain impairing the Heart and Spleen. Clinically common symptoms include: difficulty falling asleep, light sleep with easy awakening, excessive dreaming, fatigue upon waking that is hard to recover from, poor daytime concentration, forgetfulness, palpitations and anxiety (xīn huāng xīn jì), and a dull complexion. This remedy may benefit students under heavy academic pressure, professionals with high work intensity, menopausal women, and the elderly with weakened Heart Spirit (xīn shén shuāi ruò).

In addition, for sub-health conditions such as mild neurasthenia, autonomic nerve dysfunction, and psychogenic insomnia caused by mental stress and anxiety, this medicinal food (yaoshan) can serve as an important supplement to daily dietary therapy. Regular and consistent consumption over time can gradually improve nervous system function, help establish a more stable sleep rhythm, and enhance overall quality of life.

Contraindicated Populations

Although Yuan Zhi (Polygala tenuifolia) and Fu Shen (Poria cocos with host wood) stewed with pig heart is a mild medicinal diet, it is not suitable for everyone. Those with internal Excess Heat, Phlegm-Heat, or Dampness-Heat Stagnation should avoid it—for example, individuals presenting with a bitter taste and dry mouth, sore throat, yellow expectoration, sticky and difficult bowel movements, and a thick, yellow, greasy tongue coating. Taking this remedy may aggravate Dampness and Heat, worsening symptoms. Yuan Zhi is warm in nature and has a mild stimulating effect; in patients with Excess Heat pattern, its use may make the Heat signs more pronounced.

Those who are allergic to pig heart or suffer from severe hypercholesterolemia or an acute gout attack should also use it with caution. Although pig heart is nutritious, its cholesterol content is relatively high, with approximately 150 mg of cholesterol per 100 grams. Patients with hyperlipidemia should consume it in moderation or avoid it under a physician’s guidance. Pregnant women should consult a professional TCM practitioner before consumption and should not take it blindly. Additionally, patients taking certain sedative Western medications are advised to allow at least a two-hour interval between taking the medication and consuming this medicinal food to prevent potential interactions.

Ingredient Ratio in a Formula

The standard formula and proportions for stewed pig heart with Polygala tenuifolia (Yuan Zhi) and Poria cocos (with hostwood) (Fu Shen) are as follows (calculated for a single serving per person).

Yuan Zhi (Polygala tenuifolia, Yuan Zhi) 10 g (select dried root segments with the core removed; the best quality has thick strips, yellow color, and fleshy texture); Fu Shen (Poria cocos with hostwood, Fu Shen) 15 g (prefer firm texture with white, clean cross-section); Pig heart (Sus scrofa domestica heart) 1 piece (approx. 250–300 g, fresh with bright red color and good elasticity); Sheng Jiang (Zingiber officinale, Ginger) 6 g (sliced, to remove fishiness and warm the middle Jiao); Hong Zao (Ziziphus jujuba, Chinese red date) 3 pieces (pitted, to enhance sweetness and blood-nourishing effect); Salt (common salt) appropriate amount (approx. 1–2 g, added for seasoning before removing from heat); Qing Shui (clean water) 1500 ml (approximately 3 standard water bottles).

Preparation method

First, quickly rinse the Polygala tenuifolia (Yuan Zhi) and Poria cum Radix Pini (Fu Shen) under clean water to remove surface dust. Then, soak them in clean water for about 20 minutes to soften the herbs, which facilitates the full extraction of active constituents during decoction. The soaking water should not be discarded; it can be used together for decoction.

Second, split open the pig heart and rinse the interior repeatedly under running water to remove all blood clots until the water runs clear. Then blanch the heart in boiling water for about 3 minutes, remove it, and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. This step effectively eliminates the gamey odor and any residual impurities from the pig heart.

Step three: Cut the prepared pig heart into small cubes of approximately 2 cm on each side. Place them together with the soaked Yuanzhi (Radix Polygalae, Polygala tenuifolia), Fushen (Poria cum Radix Pini, Poria cocos with host wood), ginger slices (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens), and pitted red dates (Fructus Jujubae, Ziziphus jujuba) into a stewing pot or clay pot. Add 1500 ml of water, ensuring the water level is about 2 cm above the ingredients. First bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer slowly.

Step 4: Simmer on low heat for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, until the pig heart is tender and flaky, the broth turns thick and white, and a fragrant aroma fills the air. Then turn off the heat. Before serving, season with an appropriate amount of salt, stir well, and ladle into a bowl. It is recommended to take it warm one hour before dinner, as this timing is most conducive to medicinal absorption and calming the Heart and Spirit.

Drinking Tips

Drink 2 to 3 times per week; do not take consecutively every day to avoid excessive or unbalanced medicinal effect. A typical observation course lasts 2 weeks. If sleep quality improves significantly after taking the decoction, the frequency can be reduced to once per week for maintenance. If no notable effect is observed after 3 weeks, consult a TCM practitioner to adjust the prescription.

2. Administration Method: It is recommended to take the decoction warm one hour before dinner, when the Stomach is relatively empty, allowing the medicinal effect to be easily absorbed and reach the site of the disorder directly. After taking it, avoid drinking large amounts of water or consuming raw/cold foods immediately, as these may dilute the concentration of the decoction and affect its efficacy. The pig heart may be consumed in part, but no more than half per serving to avoid increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Incompatibilities and Precautions: During the period of taking this medicinal diet, it is recommended to avoid consuming strong tea, coffee, and other stimulant beverages that promote alertness, so as not to antagonize the calming effect of the medicinal diet. At the same time, maintain a cheerful mood and regular daily routine; avoid exposure to blue light from mobile phones, computers, and similar devices for one hour before bedtime. Engaging in relaxing activities such as a warm foot bath or gentle abdominal breathing can multiply the calming effect of the medicinal diet.