Fu Ling (Poria)

Fu Ling

Fu Ling (Poria) is from the sclerotium of  Poria cocos (schw) Wolf, family Polyporaceae. It mainly parasitisies on the root of the Japanese Red Pine and the Pinus massoniana. The medicinal material is dug and collected between July and September, chopped and then sun-dried. It is most commonly used in its crude form.

Category: Damp Resloving – Diueretic.

Common Name: Poria; Indian Bread; China Root.

Channels Entered: Heart, Spleen and Kidney.

Properties and Functions: Fu Ling is sweet and bland in flavour and mild in nature. Its primary functions are in promoting diuresis to resolver Dampness in the lower-jiao, invigorate the Spleen and calm the mind.

Indications: The main clinical indications for use are:

  • Oedema due to fluid stagnation or Dampness.
  • Dysuria.
  • Spleen deficiency syndrome with Dampness leading to diarrhoea and epigastric distention.
  • Heart and Spleen deficiency manifesting as restlessness, insomnia, palpitations, headache and dizziness.

Dosage: 10 – 15g

Cautions and Contra-Indications: It is contra-indicated in cases of Yin deficiency and sunken Spleen Qi. Avoid consumption of vinegar if taking Fu Ling. It can counteract the effects of Di Yu, Qin Jiao and Bie Jia.