Author: Chen Jiabao, He Xian Memorial Hospital, Panyu District, Guangzhou
Editor: Su Qunfang, Sanjiao Hospital, Zhongshan City
Fuling (Poria)
As a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Fuling is also a common ingredient in many families’ daily soups. However, many people may mistakenly believe that Fuling is a type of plant root like other commonly used herbs such as Huang Qi (Astragalus) and Gan Cao (Licorice). In fact, Fuling belongs to the category of fungi, similar to “mushrooms.” But why does it stand out among many fungi to become a commonly used TCM?
Today, let us delve into the “background” of Fuling.
1
Part.1
Evolution of the Name
Fuling refers to the dried sclerotium of the fungus Poria cocos, first mentioned in the “Fifty-Two Disease Formulas” as “Fu Ling,” which records that large pieces of Fuling should be crushed and formed into large pills that can be rolled over itchy areas to relieve itching. Texts such as “Huainanzi” and “Records of the Grand Historian” suggest that the root of the thousand-year pine has Fuling lying beneath the dodder, resembling a flying bird. Later, Li Shizhen believed this was the origin of the name “Fu Tu”: “Below is Fuling, above is dodder, hence the name Fu Tu, or it is said to resemble a rabbit, thus named. In the “Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of the Turtle Strategies,” it is also referred to as “Fu Ling.” In later generations, “Fuling” became the common name.
2
Part.2
Ancient and Modern Efficacy
The “Compendium of Materia Medica” records that Fuling has a mild flavor and is permeable, its nature ascends, generating body fluids, opening pores, nourishing water sources and descending, facilitating urination, making it a key herb for promoting diuresis and resolving dampness. TCM theory holds that it has a sweet, bland taste, is neutral and non-toxic, and enters the heart, spleen, lung, and kidney meridians, possessing effects such as resolving dampness and promoting urination, benefiting the spleen and harmonizing the stomach.
Modern research has found that the main component in Fuling, Fuling polysaccharides, can account for up to 84% of the weight of the dried sclerotium, capable of activating the human immune regulatory system, enhancing immunity, and inhibiting tumor growth, which aligns with the TCM principle of supporting the righteous qi. Additionally, Fuling contains rich active chemical components that participate in other metabolic processes in the body, making it useful for preventive health in sub-healthy populations. This is a significant reason why Fuling remains a staple in the TCM cabinet.
3
Part.3
Medicinal Recipe
Fuling Congee
Ingredients: 30g Fuling powder, 50g japonica rice, 7 red dates.
Preparation Method: Boil the japonica rice with an appropriate amount of water, add the red dates, and when the congee is ready, stir in the Fuling powder and cook briefly. This can be eaten for breakfast.
Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen and promotes urination.
Milk Fuling Cream
Ingredients: Fuling powder, milk.
Preparation Method: Take 20g of Fuling powder and brew it with milk.
Efficacy: Tonifies qi, strengthens the spleen, and boosts vitality.
Sanbai Decoction
Ingredients: 5g each of Bai Shao (White Peony), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Bai Fuling (White Poria), and 2.5g Gan Cao (Licorice).
Preparation Method: Decoction in water and take warm.
Efficacy: Treats febrile diseases with deficiency and irritability, tonifies qi and nourishes blood, whitens and moisturizes the skin.
Precautions
Although Fuling is neutral and non-toxic,
due to its diuretic and damp-resolving properties,
those with kidney deficiency and frequent urination, cold and slippery essence, or dry mouth due to fluid damage should use it with caution.
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Review Expert: Wang Qian, He Xian Memorial Hospital, Panyu District, Guangzhou
References
[1] Wang Jinglin, Fu Xinjun, Li Yajun. “A Literature Review on Fuling: Name, Source, and Efficacy” [J]. Chinese Medicinal Materials, 2021, 01:219-223.
[2] Bencao Garden Fuling [J]. Family Medicine. Choosing Medicine, 2021, 02:49.
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