Five jujubes, 50 grams of millet, 10 grams of Poria cocos (Fushen). Boil Poria cocos first, filter the decoction, then combine the liquid with jujubes and millet to cook as porridge. Take twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Jujube is sweet and warm, effective in tonifying the middle energizer, invigorating qi, nourishing blood, and calming the spirit. According to Japanese researchers, a substance isolated from jujube extract has been proven through pharmacological tests to have sedative and hypnotic effects. This sedative effect aligns well with the traditional Chinese medicine concept of "calming the spirit."
Poria cocos (Fushen) is the white portion of the pine root inside the sclerotium of the fungus *Poria cocos*. Its taste and nature are the same as Poria. It is sweet and neutral, particularly effective in nourishing the heart and calming the spirit, specifically indicated for conditions like restlessness, palpitations, forgetfulness, and mental agitation. As recorded in *Mingyi Bie Lu*, “Fushen stops palpitations, excessive anger, forgetfulness, opens the mind, enhances intelligence, calms the soul, and nourishes the spirit.” Its decoction has a sedative effect.
Millet refers to foxtail millet, whose nutritional composition is similar to that of common rice. It has the function of strengthening the spleen and harmonizing the stomach. According to *Sui Xi Hou Yin Shi Pu*, “The functions of millet are similar to those of indica rice, but it has a slightly cooler nature, making it suitable for patients.”
This formula, if used alone with jujube, might lack sufficient strength. Therefore, Fushen and millet are selected as auxiliary ingredients: Fushen strengthens the calming effect, while millet supports the spleen and stomach qi. The entire formula has the effect of strengthening the spleen and nourishing the heart, calming the spirit, and enhancing intelligence. It is suitable for all cases involving deficiency of both heart and spleen, palpitations, mental restlessness, insomnia, forgetfulness, and poor concentration.
<Anshen Zhumian Fang>