This product is the sclerotium of the fungus Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf) from the Polyporaceae family. It often grows on the roots of pine trees such as Pinus densiflora or Pinus massoniana. It can be wild or cultivated, mainly produced in Yunnan, Hubei, and Sichuan. The Poria produced in Yunnan is renowned as a genuine regional materia medica, also known as Indian bread tuckahoe. It is harvested from July to September, piled up to "sweat," then spread out to dry. This process of "sweating" and drying is repeated 3-4 times until it is completely dry. It is used in its raw form.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Sweet and bland, neutral. act on heart, spleen and kidney channels.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Promoting urination and draining dampness, strengthening the spleen and calming the mind.

bubble_chart Indications

1. Used for various types of edema. This product is sweet and tonifying, mild and diuretic, with a neutral nature and gentle action, without the bias of cold or heat, thus it can be used to treat edema of both deficiency and excess types due to cold or heat. If the exterior pathogen is not resolved and follows the meridians into the fu organs, leading to the pattern of bladder amassment of water, or edema and dysuria, it is often used in combination with Polyporus, White Atractylodes Rhizome, Alisma, etc., such as in Five Ingredients with Poria Powder. If there is a combination of water and heat, yin deficiency with dysuria and edema, it can be used with Talc, Donkey-hide Gelatin, Alisma, etc., such as in Polyporus Decoction. If there is spleen-kidney yang deficiency edema, it can be used with Aconite Lateral Root, Fresh Ginger Rhizome, etc., such as in True Warrior Decoction.
2. Used for spleen deficiency syndromes. This product can strengthen the spleen and tonify the middle. If there is spleen-stomach weakness, reduced appetite, anorexia, fatigue, lack of strength, etc., it is often used with Ginseng, White Atractylodes Rhizome, Liquorice Root, etc., such as in Four Gentlemen Decoction. If there is spleen deficiency with fluid retention, it is often used with Cinnamon Twig, White Atractylodes Rhizome, etc., such as in Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Bighead Atractylodes and Licorice Decoction. If there is spleen deficiency with damp diarrhea, it can be used with Chinese Yam, White Atractylodes Rhizome, Coix Seed, etc., such as in Ginseng, Poria and White Atractylodes Powder.
3. Used for palpitation and insomnia. This product benefits the heart and spleen, tranquilizes the mind, and calms the spirit. For deficiency of both the heart and spleen, with insufficient qi and blood leading to restlessness, it is often used with Astragalus Root, Chinese Angelica, Milkwort Root, etc., such as in Returning to Spleen Decoction. If there is palpitation due to water pathogen attacking the heart, it can be used with Cinnamon Twig, White Atractylodes Rhizome, Fresh Ginger Rhizome, etc., such as in Poria and Liquorice Decoction.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Benjing: "Regulates the spleen and relieves rebellious qi, alleviates worry, resentment, fright, fear, and palpitations, resolves pain and knots below the heart, addresses chills and fever, irritability and fullness, cough and counterflow, dry mouth and tongue, and promotes urination. Long-term use calms the soul, nourishes the spirit, prevents hunger, and prolongs life."
2. Bencao Yanyi: "This substance is highly effective in promoting water movement and is indispensable for benefiting the heart and spleen."
3. Bencao Gangmu: "Later generations must use Poria with Pine to treat palpitations, hence the ancient Zhang family used it for wind dizziness and heart deficiency, as Poria with Pine is essential for its removal, yet Poria is also discussed in relation to heart conditions."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

Decoct and take orally. 10-15g.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

Poria contains poria polysaccharides, poria acid, proteins, fats, lecithin, choline, histidine, ergosterol, and more. Poria has diuretic effects, increasing the excretion of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and chlorine in urine. Additionally, it has sedative and blood sugar-lowering effects.

bubble_chart Supplementary Medicinals

Tuckahoe Peel: The black outer skin of Poria fungus, with the same properties and flavors as Poria. It specializes in dispelling dampness from the skin and is commonly used for skin edema. It is often used in combination with Acanthopanax Bark, Dried Tangerine Peel, and others, such as in Five-Peel Decoction. Dosage: 15-30g.