Traditional Herbal Wisdom

Thirty grams of fresh lily, fifty grams of glutinous rice, and appropriate amount of rock sugar. Separate the lily into petals, wash thoroughly. Cook glutinous rice as usual; when the rice is nearly done, add lily and cook until the porridge is ready. Add rock sugar to taste. If fresh lily is unavailable, substitute with ten grams of dried lily, cooked directly with rice. Consume twice daily, warm and at breakfast and dinner. Lily has been used since ancient times as both food and medicine. The *Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing* lists it among the top-grade herbs. Various herbal texts record its health benefits as: “nourishes earth, calms the heart,” “strengthens willpower,” “tonifies and strengthens,” “prevents aging and prolongs life.” Its flavor is sweet and mild, possessing functions of tonifying the center, moistening the lungs, and calming the spirit.^{Supplemental Formula}