Do you feel sticky and lethargic after sitting in an air-conditioned room all day? Do you experience swelling in the afternoon, gaining weight even from drinking cold water? Office workers often suffer from “dampness,” but what can you do when you have no time to make soup or medicine? Today, I will teach you how to use Fu Ling (Poria) — a top choice in TCM for eliminating dampness — to quickly prepare a modern version of the Four Gods Soup using a health pot, effectively dispelling dampness and strengthening the spleen in one go, allowing you to maintain your health quietly in the office!
【Ingredient Encyclopedia】 Fu Ling (Poria), also known as “the divine medicine of all seasons,” is the dried sclerotium of the fungus Poria, which mainly grows on the roots of pine trees and is primarily produced in Yunnan, Anhui, and Hubei provinces. It is hard as stone and white as snow. The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing classifies it as a superior herb, while modern people refer to it as the “affordable dampness eliminator.” It is both a medicinal material and a classic ingredient for soups in Guangdong and pastries in Jiangsu and Zhejiang.
① Core Nutritional Components – Fu Ling Polysaccharides: accounting for about 70%-90% (according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia), studies have confirmed its ability to regulate immunity and provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (as reported in the Journal of Chinese Herbal Medicine). – Triterpenoids: significant diuretic effects, promoting the excretion of sodium and chloride (as noted in Modern Research and Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine). – Low-calorie and high-fiber: contains only 16 kcal per 100 grams, with dietary fiber reaching 80.9 grams (according to the Chinese Food Composition Table), providing a strong sense of fullness, suitable for those controlling sugar intake.
② Health Benefits – Eliminates dampness without harming the body: unlike red beans and coix seeds which are cold, Fu Ling is neutral in nature, promoting urination and dampness while strengthening the spleen and stomach, making it suitable for long-term consumption. – Calms the mind and aids sleep: when combined with lily and lotus seeds, it can alleviate anxiety-related insomnia (as shown in clinical studies in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine). – Assists in blood sugar control: animal experiments have shown that Fu Ling Polysaccharides can delay carbohydrate absorption (must follow medical advice and not replace medication).
③ Selection and Storage Tips – Quality Fu Ling: should have a smooth surface without impurities, a white cross-section with a slight powdery appearance, and a faint pine scent. – Avoid pitfalls: Fu Ling that has been sulfur-fumigated appears pale white, has a pungent sour smell, and does not soften after prolonged cooking. – Storage: keep in a sealed container at room temperature; in humid southern regions, refrigerate to prevent mold and pests.
④ Consumption Precautions – Caution for certain populations: those with kidney deficiency and frequent urination, dry mouth, and tongue (may worsen yin deficiency); pregnant women should consult a TCM practitioner. – Pairing contraindications: avoid consuming with strong tea or white radish, as it may affect the absorption of medicinal effects.
【Health Recipes】
⑤ Basic Version: 10-Minute Damp-Removing Four Gods Soup (Office Version) Ingredients: Fu Ling 15g + dried yam 10g + coix seed 10g + lotus seed 10g (traditional Four Gods Soup without pig stomach for a lighter taste). Method: 1. Wash all ingredients and place them in the health pot with 500ml of water; 2. Select the “medicinal cuisine” mode and cook for 30 minutes (soaking beforehand can save time); 3. Add 3 red dates for flavor in the last 5 minutes, no sugar needed. Tips: The soup residue can be boiled 2 more times and consumed throughout the day; for those with a cold constitution, it is recommended to roast before use.
⑥ Advanced Version: Fu Ling Apple Anti-Fatigue Tea (Combining Eastern and Western) Ingredients: Fu Ling 10g + half an apple (cut into pieces) + 5 longan + 3 slices of astragalus. Method: 1. No need to peel the apple; place it with the other ingredients in the health pot; 2. Add 600ml of water and select the “fruit tea” mode to cook for 15 minutes; 3. You can add a little cinnamon powder for aroma, suitable for tired office workers who stare at the computer for long periods. Value point: Apple pectin absorbs intestinal dampness, while astragalus tonifies qi, resolving the issue of “the more dampness you remove, the more deficient you become.”
⑧ Quick Dish: Fu Ling Oatmeal Anti-Swelling Porridge (15-Minute Breakfast) Ingredients: Fu Ling Powder 10g (or grind Fu Ling chunks) + instant oats 30g + 1 tablespoon chia seeds + 200ml milk. Method: 1. Combine oats, Fu Ling Powder, and chia seeds in a cup, add heated milk and stir; 2. Microwave on high for 1 minute, or refrigerate overnight to make cold porridge; 3. Pair with blueberries/bananas, low-calorie and high-fiber, excellent for reducing water retention.
⑨ Sweet and Savory: Fu Ling Meal Replacement Energy Balls (Portable Snack) Sweet version: Fu Ling Powder 50g + 5 dates (pitted) + 20g crushed walnuts → blend in a food processor to form a ball, roll in coconut flakes. Savory version: Fu Ling Powder 50g + 30g instant shredded chicken + 1 tablespoon crushed seaweed → mix with a little soy sauce to form a patty, bake at 180℃ for 10 minutes. Advantages: sugar-free and oil-free, can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days, satisfying hunger during overtime without gaining weight.
Eliminating dampness doesn’t have to wait for the hot summer days; a health pot and a few pieces of Fu Ling can solve the problem! What magical ways have you tried with Fu Ling? Or do you have any secret tips for eliminating dampness? Come and share your health insights in the comments!