products may have anti-cancer properties and the potential to treat other
conditions such as diabetes, kidney stones and heart disease.
The medicinal properties of rice vary depending on the types used. Many of the
beneficial compounds present in brown rice are absent from the highly refined
white rice. Rice bran can contain up to about 25% fibre and fibre is known to
assist the absorption of fats in the gut. It also decreases levels of cholesterol in
the blood. Fibre also aids digestion and can be used as a mild laxative.
In Ayurveda the medicinal values of rice have been described: rice is considered
to be acrid, oleaginous, tonic, aphrodisiac, fattening, diuretic and useful in
biliousness
Congee and its usesTraditionally known as "hsi-fan" or rice water, congee is eaten throughout China
and even in our country as a breakfast food. It is thin porridge or gruel consisting
of a handful of rice simmered in five to six times the amount of water
The healing properties of this simple rice soup are that they can easily be
digested and assimilated, tonifies the blood, harmonizes the digestion, and is
demulcent, cooling, and nourishing. Since the chronically ill person often has
weak blood and low energy, and easily develops inflammations and other heat
symptoms from deficiency of yin fluids, the cooling , demulcent and tonifying
properties of congee are particularly welcome. it is useful for increasing a nursing
mother's supply of milk. The liquid can be strained from the porridge to drink as a
supplement for infants and for serious conditions.
Other therapeutic properties may be added to the congee by cooking
appropriate vegetables, grains, herbs, or meats in with the rice water. Since the
rice itself strengthens the spleen-pancreas digestive center, other foods added