fú
茯
líng
苓
Fu Ling (Poria) is the dried sclerotium of the fungus Poria cocos, belonging to the family Polyporaceae. The outer skin that is removed from Fu Ling is called Fu Ling Pi (Fu Ling Skin). The processed Fu Ling after peeling is referred to as Fu Ling Kuai (Fu Ling Pieces). The inner white part is called Bai Fu Ling (White Poria); the light red part near the outer skin is called Chi Fu Ling (Red Poria); the white part with pine roots is called Fu Shen (Spirit of Poria). Generally, the commonly used Fu Ling is Bai Fu Ling, processed into Bai Fu Ling slices.
【Properties】Sweet, bland, neutral
【Meridians】Heart, Lung, Spleen, Kidney
【Functions】Promotes urination and leaches out dampness, strengthens the spleen and calms the heart. Used for edema, reduced urination, phlegm-damp dizziness, spleen deficiency with poor appetite, loose stools, anxiety, and insomnia.
【Contraindications】Use with caution in cases of kidney deficiency with frequent urination, deficiency-cold with spermatorrhea, qi deficiency with prolapse, and dryness due to fluid damage.
【Dosage】Internal use: decoction, 9-15 grams; or in pills or powders.
Secret to Longevity—Fu Ling Congee
“Fu Ling Congee” was discovered by Su Zhe, the younger brother of the Song dynasty writer Su Shi. Su Zhe suffered from many illnesses in his youth; in summer, his spleen could not handle food, and in autumn, his lungs could not withstand the cold, and he was not cured after taking medicine for a long time. One day, while talking with a friend, he learned that practicing Qigong and eating Fu Ling could cure his ailments. He followed his friend’s advice for a year and was indeed cured. After that, he studied medical texts such as the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica) and created “Fu Ling Congee.”
♦ Preparation Method ♦
【Ingredients】30 grams of Fu Ling powder, 100 grams of japonica rice, 20 red dates
【Steps】First, simmer the red dates until soft, then add the soup to the japonica rice congee, add Fu Ling powder, and cook until the powder is dissolved.
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