Tongcao and Lugen Stewed Pig’s Trotters: A Classic Lactation Soup

Introduction to Medicinal Cuisine (Yàoshàn)

“Tongcao Lugen Bao Zhujiao” (Pig Trotters Stewed with Tetrapanacis and Reed Rhizome) is a classic soup originating from Lingnan folk tradition, integrating the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dietary therapy. It is especially popular in the hot and humid regions of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan. This medicinal dish skillfully combines the two commonly used Chinese herbs *Tongcao* (Medulla Tetrapanacis, Rice-Paper Plant Pith) and *Lugen* (Rhizoma Phragmitis, Reed Rhizome) with collagen-rich pig trotters. The resulting soup is clear with a slight white hue, offering a refreshing, sweet, and mild taste without being greasy. It satisfies the palate’s craving for a savory broth while leveraging the synergistic effects of the ingredients and herbs to promote bodily regulation. In local tradition, Tongcao Lugen Bao Zhujiao is not only a common dietary prescription for promoting lactation (promoting milk secretion) in postpartum women but is also frequently used as a family health soup during the transition from spring to summer to dispel dampness, clear heat, and nourish the joints.

Tongcao, originally known as “Tongtuomu,” is recorded in the *Compendium of Materia Medica* as being “white in color, cold in nature, light in weight, and bland in taste.” It excels at promoting the free flow of water passages, stimulating lactation, and unblocking the orifices. Lugen refers to the fresh or dried rhizome of *Phragmites communis* (reed), with a sweet and cold nature, adept at clearing heat, generating fluids, relieving irritability, and stopping vomiting. Pig’s trotters are rich in collagen, elastin, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. When simmered slowly over low heat, their gelatinous substances and medicinal components are fully released into the soup, creating a smooth, nourishing delicacy that blends medicine and food. The combination of these three ingredients harnesses the “unblocking” property of Tongcao to disperse stagnation, the “clearing” action of Lugen to resolve heat pathogens, and the “tonifying” effect of pig’s trotters to nourish the sinews and bones—embodying the TCM dietary principle of “combining unblocking and tonifying” (*tong bu jian shi*).

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

The primary effect of Tetrapanax papyriferus (Tongcao) and Phragmites communis (Reed Rhizome) stewed with pig trotters is to “promote lactation.” It provides significant auxiliary improvement for postpartum women with blocked lactation, obstructed mammary network, breast distension and pain, or thin and scanty lactation. Tetrapanax papyriferus enters the Yangming Stomach Meridian (ST), diffusing and unblocking qi and blood, and soothing and benefiting the mammary orifices, while Reed Rhizome can clear and resolve Stomach heat and irritability that may arise after childbirth. Together, they help to open the “passage” for milk secretion, allowing the milk to flow out smoothly. At the same time, pig trotters supplement qi and blood, enriching the material basis for lactation, making the lactation-promoting effect more lasting and stable. It can be described as “both unblocking and supplementing, taking a dual-pronged approach.”

Besides its galactagogue effect, this medicinal diet also clears Heat and drains Dampness while nourishing the joints. *Phragmites communis* (Reed Rhizome) clears Heat from the Lung and Stomach, generates fluids, and quenches thirst, effectively relieving symptoms such as dry mouth and tongue, scanty dark urine, and skin eczema caused by internal accumulation of Damp-Heat. *Tetrapanax papyriferus* (Rice Paper Plant Pith) is adept at guiding Damp-Heat out via urination. The collagen in pig’s trotters supports articular cartilage health, lubricates the joints, and helps prevent degenerative bone diseases. Therefore, this soup is also suitable for middle-aged and elderly individuals as well as long-term desk workers for daily health maintenance.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

From the perspective of TCM properties, flavors, and meridian tropism, Tetrapanax papyriferus (rice paper plant pith) is sweet and bland in flavor, slightly cold in nature, and primarily enters the Lung and Stomach meridians, with secondary tropism to the Bladder meridian. Its core actions are “promoting qi flow to stimulate lactation” and “promoting diuresis to resolve dampness.” According to TCM theory, “breast milk is transformed from qi and blood,” and obstructed lactation is often associated with qi stagnation, damp-heat obstruction, or qi-blood deficiency. Tetrapanax papyriferus has a light and clear texture, excelling in diffusing and unblocking the Lung qi of the upper jiao. The Lungs govern qi throughout the body; when qi moves, water, blood, and milk follow. Therefore, in cases of postpartum mammary duct obstruction with impaired qi and blood circulation, Tetrapanax papyriferus plays a pivotal role in “opening the upper orifice to unblock the lower orifice,” allowing the stagnant qi mechanism to disperse and flow smoothly.

*Phragmitis Rhizoma* (common reed rhizome) is renowned for its ability to clear and disburse lung and stomach excess heat. The *Mingyi Bielu* (Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians) states that *Phragmitis Rhizoma* “predominantly treats wasting-thirst with guest heat, and stops excessive urination.” It is especially adept at clearing stagnant heat in the lung and stomach, while also generating fluids and relieving thirst. In the medicinal soup “Tong Cao Lu Gen Bao Zhu Jiao” (Rice Paper Pith and Common Reed Rhizome Stewed Pig’s Trotters), *Phragmitis Rhizoma* not only adds a subtle sweetness to the broth but also counteracts the richness and potential stagnating effect of the pig’s trotters on the stomach, making the entire medicinal dish cooling without being cold, and tonifying without causing stagnation. When these two herbs are combined, one disperses and the other clears: *Tetrapanacis Medulla* (rice paper pith) focuses on coursing and dispersing, while *Phragmitis Rhizoma* focuses on clearing heat and generating fluids. Together with the nourishing and moistening properties of pig’s trotters, this formulation achieves a concurrent application of three therapeutic methods: “unblocking, clearing, and tonifying.” It is especially suitable for complex patterns seen postpartum or during the later stage of febrile disease, with concurrent Qi and Yin deficiency and unresolved lingering heat.

Indications

This medicated soup is primarily indicated for postpartum women experiencing lactation insufficiency or obstructed milk flow, particularly during the 3 to 7 days after delivery when symptoms include insufficient milk production, distending and hard breasts with pain, and thick, difficult-to-expel breast milk. Consuming this soup helps soothe and unblock the mammary collaterals (乳络) and promote milk ejection. It is especially effective for temporary milk flow obstruction caused by postpartum emotional depression (产后情绪郁闷), improper diet, or invasion of warm-heat pathogenic factors (温热之邪). Additionally, postpartum women presenting with dry mouth, irritability, scanty and dark yellow urine, and other manifestations of “postpartum depressive heat” (产后郁热) may also benefit from this soup under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Besides the postpartum population, individuals with a constitution predisposed to dominant Damp-Heat, who frequently experience a heavy sensation in the limbs, soreness and pain in the joints, or recurrent eczema or sores on the skin, may also consume this soup in moderation. For those who spend prolonged periods in air-conditioned environments, lack physical activity, and favor spicy, greasy foods—leading to internal accumulation of Damp-Heat—this soup can help clear Heat and drain Dampness, thereby soothing the body and mind. In middle-aged and elderly individuals with mild joint stiffness or reduced range of motion, consuming this soup once or twice a week can both supplement the collagen needed for joint health and leverage the Heat-clearing, Dampness-draining properties of *Tetrapanax papyrifer* (Rice Paper Plant) and *Phragmites communis* (Reed Rhizome) to prevent Dampness and Turbidity from lingering in the joints, thus protecting joint function.

Contraindicated Populations

Patients with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold pattern, loose stools, or those who usually feel cold and have cold hands and feet should use with caution. Both Tetrapanax papyrifer (Rice Paper Plant) and Phragmites communis (Reed Rhizome) are cold in nature. Although pig trotters are neutral in nature, their cloying texture can increase the burden on the Spleen and Stomach. For individuals whose Spleen and Stomach transportation and transformation functions are already weak, consumption may lead to aggravated diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal cold pain, and other discomfort. If such individuals truly need to use this medicinal diet, it is recommended to reduce the dosage of Tetrapanax papyrifer and Phragmites communis under a doctor’s guidance, and to add appropriate amounts of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) and Citrus reticulata (Tangerine Peel) and other ingredients that warm the middle and move qi to counteract the cold nature.

Pregnant women, those without damp-heat excess pattern, and individuals allergic to pig trotters or any ingredients in this formula should avoid use. During pregnancy, medicinal diets with diuretic and draining properties should not be taken casually, as they may disturb the stability of the fetal root (chong ren). Additionally, Tongcao (Tetrapanax papyriferus, Rice-paper plant pith) in this medicinal diet has the effect of inducing diuresis and unblocking the orifices. For postpartum women with simple qi and blood deficiency and thin breast milk (non-damp-heat pattern), using this formula alone may yield poor results and could consume and damage the right qi (zheng qi). A more suitable regulating plan should be selected after pattern differentiation. Individuals allergic to pig trotters, or those with hyperlipidemia, acute gout attack, or severe renal insufficiency are also not suitable for consumption.

Proportions of Herbal Ingredients in a Formula

Fresh pork trotters (front hoof preferred for richer collagen and better texture) 500 g. Tetrapanacis medulla (Rice-paper pith; dried sliced pieces) 10 g – choose high-quality pieces that are white, light, and free of mold; do not exceed this dosage to avoid excessive cold nature. Phragmitis rhizoma (Reed rhizome; fresh or dried, fresh preferred) 30 g – if using dried, reduce to about 15 g and soak briefly in water before use.

15g fresh ginger slices (to remove fishy odor, enhance flavor, and neutralize cold nature). 3–5 red dates (Ziziphus jujuba), pitted (to add sweetness and nourishing effect to the soup). Salt to taste (adjust before serving; do not add too early to avoid affecting collagen extraction). Approximately 2000ml pure water (some will evaporate during simmering; add all at once and avoid adding cold water midway). This ratio serves 2–3 people; adjust according to actual number of diners.

Preparation method

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Cut the pig trotters into moderately sized pieces (approximately 3 to 5 cm square). Place them in a pot with cold water, add a few slices of ginger and some cooking wine. Bring to a boil over high heat, then continue blanching for 3 to 5 minutes. Once blood froth rises to the surface, remove the trotters, rinse thoroughly with warm water, and drain well. This step effectively removes the gamey odor and excess fat from the trotters, resulting in a clearer and more refreshing broth.

Step 2: Herbal Preparation and Decoction. Quickly rinse the Rice-paper Plant Pith (Tetrapanax papyrifer) and Reed Rhizome (Phragmites communis, fresh cut into sections) under running water to remove surface dust. Place them in a clean gauze bag and tie it tightly to prevent fine herbal particles from dispersing into the soup and affecting the texture. Put the blanched pork trotter pieces, the herb bag, ginger slices, and red dates (jujube) together into a ceramic pot or earthenware pot. Add sufficient purified water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer (gentle heat) and cook slowly.

Step 3: Slow Simmering and Seasoning. Maintain a low heat and simmer for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, until the pig trotters are tender, the broth turns slightly milky white, and the collagen is released. During simmering, skim off any surface oil as needed to keep the soup clear. Before turning off the heat, remove and discard the medicinal herb sachet. Season with an appropriate amount of salt according to personal taste, stir well, and serve. If a richer flavor is desired, continue simmering for another half hour, but be careful to avoid scorching the bottom.

Consumption Tips

1. Optimal Timing and Frequency of Administration: It is recommended to begin consumption after the third day postpartum, when the mammary ducts are essentially unobstructed. Consume for 3 to 5 consecutive days, 1 to 2 times daily, with each serving not exceeding 300 ml. Premature consumption (e.g., within 24 hours postpartum) may aggravate breast distension and pain because the mammary collaterals have not yet opened, while excessively delayed consumption may miss the optimal window for promoting lactation. For general health maintenance, 1 to 2 times per week is sufficient; avoid overfrequent use.

2. Pair with a light, easily digestible diet: While consuming this decoction, it is advisable to accompany it with a light, protein-rich diet such as crucian carp soup, lean meat congee, and vegetables. Avoid consuming overly spicy, greasy, or raw-cold foods at the same time, as they may interfere with the therapeutic effects. It is recommended to take the decoction warm half an hour to one hour before meals for better absorption. If used to promote lactation, gentle breast massage and increased breastfeeding frequency after consumption can help enhance the lactation-promoting effect.

3. Attention to Individual Differences and Overdose Warnings: A small number of individuals may experience mild diarrhea or abdominal discomfort after taking *Tetrapanax papyriferus* (Rice-paper plant pith) or *Phragmites communis* (Reed rhizome). In such cases, discontinue use and observe. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a licensed TCM practitioner promptly. The dosage of *Tetrapanax papyriferus* should not exceed 15 g, and the dried form of *Phragmites communis* should not exceed 20 g; overdose may cause cold-natured herbs to damage the Stomach. Any remaining decoction should be refrigerated promptly and reheated thoroughly before consumption, but avoid repeated boiling multiple times, as this may degrade the active constituents.