Botanical Overview
Latin name: Wolfiporia cocos
Family: Polyporaceae
Parts used: Sclerotium
Common names: Poria, Fu Ling, Tuckahoe
Energetics
Temperature: neutral
Moisture: drying
Tastes: bland, sweet
Directionality: descending
Tonicity: tonifying
Qi/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
- Edema
- Palpitations
- Insomnia
Syndromes
- Spleen qi deficiency with dampness
- Heart blood deficiency
- Water accumulation
Ayurveda
No well-established traditional indications available.
Unani
No well-established traditional indications available.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains polysaccharides, triterpenoids, beta-D-glucans, and fatty acids contributing to its diuretic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 9-15 g dried sclerotium daily
- Powder: 3-6 g daily
- Extract standardized: 200-500 mg daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally considered safe with appropriate use. Caution in cold-damp conditions per TCM. Limited data in pregnancy and lactation—use cautiously. No major known adverse effects or interactions.
Astrological Correspondences
No confirmed planetary or elemental rulers from reputable sources.
Selected References
- Chinese Medicinal Herbal Materials: A Guide to Identification, Quality Control and Therapeutic Application
- Pharmacological activities and health benefits of Poria cocos: a review
- Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (Polyporaceae) – European Medicines Agency Herbal Monograph