thin rice gruel; rice water
A thin, watery porridge made from rice, often served to infants, the elderly, or those with digestive issues. Also refers to the starchy water left after cooking rice.
離乳食の初期には、重湯から始めるとよい。
At the start of weaning, it's good to begin with thin rice gruel.
胃腸の調子が悪いときは、重湯を飲む
When your stomach is upset, drinking rice water can soothe it.
Standard kanji spelling.
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially in recipes or informal contexts.
The kanji 重 (heavy/thick) and 湯 (hot water) combine to suggest a 'thick hot water,' referring to the starchy liquid from cooked rice. The reading おもゆ is a native Japanese word.