Tastes: bland

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  • Poria cocos

    Botanical Overview Poria cocos (family Polyporaceae) is a sclerotium-producing fungus widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and East Asian herbal traditions. Common names include Fu Ling, Indian Bread, and Tuckahoe. The medicinal part is the sclerotium, a hardened mycelium mass. Energetics Temperature: neutral; Moisture: drying; Tastes: bland, sweet; Directionality: descending, centered; Tonicity: tonifying; Qi/Blood/Fluid: qi…


  • Wolfiporia cocos

    Botanical Overview Latin name: Wolfiporia cocosFamily: PolyporaceaeParts used: SclerotiumCommon names: Poria, Fu Ling, Tuckahoe Energetics Temperature: neutralMoisture: dryingTastes: bland, sweetDirectionality: descendingTonicity: tonifyingQi/Blood/Fluid: qi, fluid Primary Actions Diuretic Sedative Spleen tonic Anti-inflammatory Immunomodulator Indications Western Edema Water retention Urinary difficulty Digestive weakness Anxiety Insomnia Syndromes Fluid accumulation Spleen qi deficiency Dampness TCM Spleen qi deficiency Dampness…


  • Plantago ovata

    Botanical Overview Plantago ovata, commonly known as Psyllium, Ispaghula, or Isabgol, belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. The primary parts used medicinally are the husks and seeds. Native to South and Western Asia, this plant is valued primarily for its high soluble fiber content and bulk-forming properties. Energetics Plantago ovata is considered neutral in temperature and…


  • Elymus repens (rhizoma)

    Botanical Overview Elymus repens (rhizoma), commonly known as Couch grass or Quackgrass, belongs to the Poaceae family. The medicinal part used is the rhizome, primarily harvested for its traditional uses. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Energetics This plant is characterized by a cooling temperature and moistening moisture quality. Its taste is…


  • Alisma orientale

    Botanical Overview Alisma orientale (family Alismataceae), commonly known as Oriental water plantain or water plantain, is native to East Asia, particularly China, Japan, and Korea. The rhizome and root are the parts traditionally used medicinally. Energetics This herb is characterized as cooling and moistening in nature, with sweet and bland tastes. Its action is descending,…


  • Chondrus crispus

    Botanical Overview Chondrus crispus, commonly known as Irish Moss, Carrageen Moss, or Sea Moss, is a red seaweed belonging to the family Gigartinaceae. It is typically found along the North Atlantic coasts, particularly in Europe and North America. The whole thallus of the plant is used medicinally. Energetics Chondrus crispus is characterized by a cooling…


  • Coix lacryma-jobi

    Botanical Overview Coix lacryma-jobi, commonly known as Adlay or Job’s tears, is a plant in the Poaceae family. The seed (semen) is used medicinally across East and Southeast Asia and parts of India. It is also called Chinese pearl barley or Coix seed. Energetics This seed is traditionally considered cooling and moistening in nature. It…


  • Gastrodia elata

    Botanical Overview Gastrodia elata is an orchid species from the Orchidaceae family, commonly known as Tian Ma or Gastrodia. The primary medicinal part used is the rhizome. Native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea, this plant is highly regarded in traditional Chinese medicine. Energetics Temperature: Neutral Moisture: Moistening Tastes: Sweet, Bland Directionality: Descending…