Can Poria (Poria cocos) be steeped in water for consumption?

May 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yu Yongchao

Introduction

Poria is a common traditional Chinese medicinal herb, typically appearing as irregular chunks with a brownish exterior and white or light red interior. It grows around the roots of pine trees and is used medicinally after being dried. Poria has a mild nature and a bland taste. Its primary functions include helping to reduce edema, aid digestion, calm the mind, and improve sleep. Steeping Poria in water retains its water-soluble components to the greatest extent, making its medicinal effects mild.

Generally speaking, Poria (Poria cocos) can be steeped in water for consumption. Details are as follows:

Poria is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb containing polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and ergosterol, among others. It has functions including promoting diuresis and resolving dampness, strengthening the spleen to stop diarrhea, and calming the mind. The polysaccharide components can regulate water metabolism, improve edema and difficult urination, and enhance immunity. Triterpenoid compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, assist in managing chronic inflammation and tumors, and work synergistically with ergosterol to exert antioxidant effects. Steeping Poria in water allows water-soluble substances such as polysaccharides, amino acids, and minerals to slowly leach out. Due to its mild therapeutic effect, this method is primarily used for health maintenance and wellness purposes.

When using Poria water, special populations should exercise caution. For example, individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat may experience worsening of heat symptoms after consuming Poria water. Pregnant women and individuals with allergic constitutions should also use it cautiously to avoid discomfort. Additionally, attention should be paid to the dosage to avoid overconsumption and the potential burden on the body.

During daily use of Poria water for body regulation, other herbs or ingredients can be added to enhance efficacy and improve taste. It is also recommended to engage in moderate physical activity, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid staying up late.

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Under normal circumstances, consuming foods such as Poria (Fu Ling), red adzuki beans (Chi Xiao Dou), Gorgon fruit (Qian Shi), winter melon peel (Dong Gua Pi), and stir-fried hyacinth bean (Chao Bian Dou) may help remove dampness from the body. If you have a need to eliminate dampness, it is recommended to conduct dietary adjustments under the guidance of a healthcare professional. In daily life, in addition to dietary regulation, you can also appropriately increase physical exercise, such as jogging or practicing Tai Chi, to promote blood circulation and assist in expelling dampness from the body.

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Consuming more ingredients that strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness, such as coix seed, red beans, poria, winter melon, and Chinese yam, can be beneficial. These ingredients can be prepared as porridge or soup. At the same time, avoid raw, cold, sweet, greasy, and fatty foods to reduce the burden on the spleen and stomach, thus addressing the root cause of dampness formation internally. Consistently engage in moderate-intensity exercises, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and rope skipping.

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Which four types of people should not consume Poria (Poria cocos)?

Generally speaking, there is no such saying as "four types of people who cannot consume Poria (Poria cocos)," but individuals with Yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, excessive urination, kidney deficiency with frequent urination, those allergic to Poria, and patients with diabetes should avoid consuming Poria to prevent health problems or worsening of symptoms. Before consuming Poria in daily life, it is important to first understand one's own health condition and determine whether belonging to any of the aforementioned contraindicated groups.

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Which three types of people should not consume Poria (Fu Ling)?

There is no saying that specifies "three types of people who cannot consume Poria (Fu Ling)." Individuals with Yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, Qi deficiency with sinking symptoms, kidney deficiency with frequent urination, dry mouth and throat, or those allergic to Poria should avoid its consumption. Poria is neutral in nature and has a bland, sweet taste, offering the therapeutic effect of promoting diuresis and resolving dampness. Consumption by these groups may exacerbate existing discomforts. In daily life, before choosing to consume Poria, one should assess whether it is suitable based on one's own physical condition.

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