Efficacy and Effects of Poria (Poria cocos)
Apr 17, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
1. Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach: Polyporus (Zhu Fu Ling) enters the Spleen channel and functions to tonify the Spleen and Stomach, making it useful for treating indigestion, loose stools, and other symptoms arising from Spleen-Stomach deficiency.
2. Resolves Phlegm: By strengthening the Spleen, Polyporus helps address phlegm-damp accumulation resulting from Spleen deficiency and impaired transformation and transportation of fluids.
3. Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness: Polyporus has a sweet, bland taste and a neutral nature, and acts on the Spleen, Kidney, and Bladder channels; its primary therapeutic action is promoting diuresis and draining dampness.
Pork fungus and Poria cocos, also known as “Zhu Ling” (Polyporus umbellatus), is a wild edible mushroom. It has existed in China for several thousand years, predominantly growing at the roots of maple trees. Fresh specimens are edible, while dried ones are used medicinally. So, what are the health benefits and therapeutic effects of Zhu Ling?
Health Benefits and Therapeutic Effects of Zhu Ling
1. Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach: Zhu Ling enters the Spleen meridian and exerts a tonic effect on the Spleen and Stomach. It is commonly used to treat digestive disorders, loose stools, and poor appetite caused by Spleen and Stomach deficiency.
2. Resolves Phlegm: By strengthening the Spleen, Zhu Ling helps resolve phlegm-dampness resulting from impaired Spleen function—specifically, the Spleen’s inability to properly transform and transport fluids, leading to fluid retention and phlegm formation. It may be combined with Pinellia (Ban Xia) and Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), or with Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi) and Atractylodes (Bai Zhu).
3. Promotes Urination and Resolves Dampness: Zhu Ling has a sweet, bland taste and a neutral nature, entering the Spleen, Kidney, and Bladder meridians. Its primary therapeutic action is promoting diuresis and resolving dampness. Clinically, it is used to treat conditions such as dysuria, edema, beriberi (foot qi), diarrhea, and excessive vaginal discharge—with pronounced efficacy.
4. Supports Hypertension Management: Cassia seed (Jue Ming Zi) demonstrates notable efficacy in managing hypertension and can serve as an effective adjunctive therapy.
Cassia seed (Jue Ming Zi) is slightly cold in nature; individuals prone to diarrhea, loose stools, or gastric pain should avoid consuming cassia seed tea. In women, prolonged consumption may lead to menstrual irregularities in mild cases, or abnormal endometrial changes and even preterm labor in more severe cases.
The above outlines the health benefits and therapeutic applications of Zhu Ling. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
