What are the differences between Poria (Fu Ling) and Kudzu Root (Ge Gen)?
May 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Poria comes from the sclerotium of the fungus Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf of the family Polyporaceae; it is a fungus parasitic on the roots of pine trees. Kudzu root comes from the root of the leguminous plant Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi or Pueraria thomsonii Benth., and belongs to the tuberous roots of plants. Poria is irregularly shaped in chunks, with a surface color of light brown or grayish white, and has a solid texture. Kudzu root is cylindrical in shape, with an outer skin color of yellowish brown or grayish yellow; its inner fleshy portion is white or pale yellow.
The differences between Poria (Fuling) and Kudzu Root (Gegen) generally include their botanical origins, physical characteristics, medicinal properties, primary functions, and applicable conditions. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Botanical Origin: Poria originates from the sclerotium of the fungus Poria cocos of the Polyporaceae family, a type of fungus parasitic on the roots of pine trees. Kudzu Root comes from the root of the leguminous plants Pueraria lobata (wild kudzu) or Pueraria thomsonii, and belongs to the tuberous roots of the plant.
2. Physical Characteristics: Poria is typically irregularly shaped with a surface that is light brown or grayish-white in color, and has a solid, firm texture. Kudzu Root is cylindrical in shape, with an outer skin that is yellowish-brown or grayish-yellow, and a fleshy inner part that is white or pale yellow.
3. Medicinal Properties: Poria is neutral in nature, with a sweet and bland taste, and functions to promote diuresis, resolve dampness, strengthen the spleen, and calm the mind. Kudzu Root is cool in nature, with a sweet and acrid taste, primarily used for relieving muscle tension, reducing fever, promoting body fluid production, and quenching thirst; its medicinal nature tends to be cooling.
4. Primary Functions: Poria is particularly effective for diuresis to reduce edema, regulating the spleen and stomach, and calming the mind and soothing nerves. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as edema, diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, and insomnia. Kudzu Root mainly alleviates fever and headache, improves thirst, and dilates blood vessels. It is suitable for individuals suffering from common cold with fever or hypertension.
5. Applicable Conditions: Poria is more suitable for individuals with weak constitutions, excessive dampness, or poor sleep quality. Kudzu Root is appropriate for individuals with wind-heat common cold, dry mouth and throat, or those needing to lower blood pressure.
In addition, Poria is often combined with other Chinese medicinal herbs for decoction, or made into pills or powders. Kudzu Root is widely used for making teas, soups, or as powder to be taken with water, offering more flexible methods of use. When choosing between Poria and Kudzu Root, one should base the decision on individual needs and constitutional characteristics, and use them appropriately under the guidance of a qualified professional.
