Poria Cocos (Fu Ling)
Wolfiporia extensa / Poria cocos
茯苓
Pinyin: Fú Líng
Plant Family
Polyporaceae (fungus)
Part Used
Sclerotium (fungal mass growing on pine roots)
Origin
Yunnan, Guizhou, Anhui, Hubei provinces of China
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Poria is a fungus that grows underground on the roots of pine trees, forming a large, hard, woody sclerotium (fungal mass) that can weigh several kilograms. It is one of the most widely used fungi in Chinese medicine and appears in more formulas than almost any other herb. Poria is valued for its dual ability to both tonify the spleen and drain dampness - a unique combination. It is very mild and safe for long-term use.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
neutral
Flavors (五味)
sweet, bland
Meridians (归经)
heart, spleen, kidney
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Drains dampness and promotes urination
- Tonifies spleen qi and improves digestion
- Calms the spirit (shen) and treats insomnia
- Strengthens the spleen and transforms phlegm
- Edema and water retention
- Loose stools and diarrhea from spleen deficiency
- Palpitations and anxiety from heart-spleen deficiency
- Weight gain from dampness
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used in decoctions, powders, pills, and in cooking (porridge, soups, pastries). Poria powder is very fine and white, sometimes used as a flour substitute in low-carb cooking. It has a mild, slightly sweet, earthy taste that blends well with other ingredients.
Suggested Dosage
Decoction: 9-15g daily (up to 30g for edema). Powder: 3-10g daily. In cooking: 10-30g per serving. Can be used daily long-term.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Summer and autumn. Poria is dug from underground where it grows on pine roots. It is then peeled, cut into cubes or slices, and dried in the shade.
Quality Indicators
White, dense, finely granular cubes or slices with slightly sweet, bland taste. High quality poria is hard and heavy, with no black spots (from the outer skin). Yunnan produces the most famous "Yun Ling." The inner white part (Bai Fu Ling) is the standard; the part near the pine root (Fu Shen) is considered better for calming the spirit.
Storage
Store dried poria in airtight container in cool, dry place. Can be stored for 2-3 years. Protect from moisture and insects - it can absorb water easily.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Frequent urination due to kidney deficiency (may worsen)Excessive thirst from yin deficiencyPregnancy (safe in food amounts - consult for medicinal use)Generally very safe - few contraindications
Possible Side Effects
- Extremely safe and well-tolerated
- Very rare: mild digestive upset
- Allergic reaction (extremely rare)
- Long-term high doses may cause increased urination (expected effect)
Drug Interactions
- Diuretics (may enhance effect)
- Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar - mild effect)
- Immunosuppressants (may have mild immune-stimulating effect)
- Generally very low interaction risk
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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