Witnessed by: TCM
Poria (Poria cocos), of the Polyporaceae family. Wood-rotting fungus forming a large buried sclerotium on pine roots; native range: China, especially the pine forests of the south and west. Globally recognized as fu ling (茯苓) in Chinese, and hoelen, tuckahoe, fu ling in English. The part used is sclerotium. Heavy pale mass, white and smooth within, nearly odourless and bland with a faint sweetness.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
PORIA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- poria
- Scientific name
- Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf
- Family
- Polyporaceae
Form
- Part used
- sclerotium
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet · bland
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Heart · Spleen · Kidney · Lung · Bladder
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- promotes urination and drains dampness, strengthens the Spleen and harmonizes the middle, quiets the Heart and calms the spirit
Cautions
- Contraindications
- caution in frequent urination or spermatorrhea from cold from deficiency
- Toxicity
- regarded as very safe and food-grade
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