Which three types of people should not consume Poria (Fu Ling)?
Aug 30, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
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.
Generally speaking, there is no established saying of "three types of people who should not consume Poria (Poria cocos)," but individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, qi deficiency with prolapse symptoms, kidney deficiency with frequent urination, dry mouth and throat, or those allergic to Poria should avoid consuming it. Poria has a neutral property with a sweet and bland taste and functions to promote diuresis and remove dampness. Consumption by these groups may worsen their existing conditions. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Individuals with Yin Deficiency and Fire Hyperactivity: Those with yin deficiency and internal heat often exhibit symptoms such as tidal fever, night sweats, and warm palms and soles. Poria's diuretic effect may further deplete the body's yin fluids, worsening symptoms of yin deficiency like feverish sensations and sweating, which is detrimental to bodily balance.
2. Individuals with Qi Deficiency and Prolapse: Those with qi deficiency and symptoms of prolapse, such as chronic diarrhea or rectal prolapse, should also avoid Poria. Its diuretic effect may further weaken qi, exacerbating the qi deficiency and making symptoms like prolonged diarrhea and rectal prolapse more difficult to alleviate, thus affecting bodily recovery.
3. Individuals with Kidney Deficiency and Frequent Urination: Poria promotes water excretion. Those with kidney deficiency and frequent urination already have weak kidney control over urination. Consuming Poria may intensify the diuretic effect, increasing urine output further and placing additional strain on the kidneys, which hinders improvement of kidney deficiency symptoms.
4. Individuals with Dry Mouth and Throat: Dry mouth and throat are often due to insufficient body fluids. Poria's diuretic properties may further deplete existing body fluids, worsening symptoms of dry mouth and throat, affecting normal swallowing and overall comfort.
5. Individuals Allergic to Poria: Some individuals may be allergic to components in Poria. Consumption may lead to allergic reactions such as skin itching and rashes. In severe cases, it may even affect breathing. These individuals must strictly avoid Poria to prevent allergic reactions.
In daily life, before choosing to consume Poria, one should assess whether it is suitable based on personal health conditions and understand whether the medicinal properties of the ingredient align with one's health needs. In regular diets, attention should also be paid to selecting appropriate ingredients according to individual constitutions to avoid bodily discomfort caused by inappropriate consumption.
