Are you “watching” me?
Fu Ling (Poria) has a long history of medicinal use in China, being listed as a superior herb in the “Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing” over 1700 years ago. The “Tu Jing Ben Cao” from the Song Dynasty contains records about Fu Ling pastries. Ancient people believed that Fu Ling, which grows on the roots of old pine trees, was a miraculous substance transformed from the essence of pine trees, referring to it as Fu Ling (茯苓), Fu Shen, or Song Yu. In the “Shen Xian Zhuan” by Ge Hong from the Jin Dynasty, it is stated that “the essence of the old pine transforms into Fu Ling.”
Fu Ling, commonly known as Yun Ling or Song Ling, is a fungus that parasitizes on the roots of pine trees. It resembles sweet potatoes, with a black-brown outer skin and white or pink interior. The Fu Ling sold in markets is mostly in small white cubes, which can also be ground into Fu Ling powder as needed.
Fu Ling has a long history in China. As early as the 3rd to 4th century BC, there are records of collecting Fu Ling, as mentioned in the “Book of Songs” with the lines about gathering Ling at the peak of Shouyang.
Origin of Fu Ling
Methods of Consumption in Ancient Times
Fu Ling has long been cherished as a valuable tonic food. It is said that Empress Dowager Cixi enjoyed a type of pastry called Fu Ling cakes in her later years. In Chapter 60 of “Dream of the Red Chamber,” the method of consuming Fu Ling powder (ground white Fu Ling) is detailed: dissolve and mix Fu Ling powder in milk or boiling water, and consume about 20 grams each morning for optimal nourishing effects. Fu Ling contains a large amount of polysaccharides that are easily absorbed by the human body, enhancing immune function and benefiting those with chronic illnesses, weakness, or the elderly. Certain components, such as Fu Ling polysaccharides, have inhibitory effects on cancer cells, and long-term consumption can promote recovery in cancer patients after chemotherapy or surgery.
Effects of Fu Ling
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Fu Ling has the effects of promoting urination, strengthening the spleen and stomach, calming the mind, and soothing the spirit. It is commonly used for damp-heat accumulation, leucorrhea, abscesses, scrofula, scabies, syphilis, and mercury poisoning causing limb spasms, joint pain, and ulcers.
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It can treat urinary difficulties, edema, phlegm cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nocturnal emissions, anxiety, and forgetfulness. The diuretic effect of Fu Ling is achieved through strengthening the spleen and lung functions, differing from other herbs that directly promote urination.
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Fu Ling has antibacterial properties; when decocted or soaked, it inhibits various bacteria, showing good inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli and Proteus.
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Fu Ling has beauty-enhancing effects, significantly improving immune function and allowing more oxygen to be released from oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood to supply tissues, while increasing cellular activity, making skin and hair appear more hydrated.
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Fu Ling also protects gastrointestinal and liver health. Scientific experiments have shown that Fu Ling can effectively prevent gastric ulcers and treat intestinal relaxation, reducing gastric acid. Some substances in Fu Ling can protect the liver and prevent hepatocyte necrosis.
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Fu Ling has protective effects on the heart, treating insomnia and palpitations, calming the mind and nourishing the heart.
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Fu Ling has certain anti-cancer effects. Clinical studies have found that Fu Ling is effective in treating liver cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, and nasopharyngeal cancer. The anti-tumor effect of Fu Ling is attributed to its polysaccharides, which have strong anti-tumor properties and inhibit tumor growth.
Differences Between Fu Ling and Tu Fu Ling
Although there seems to be little difference between Fu Ling and Tu Fu Ling in name, there are significant differences in their therapeutic uses and methods. When using these herbs for treatment, it is essential to understand which herb is being used to avoid adverse health effects.
In terms of efficacy, Tu Fu Ling clears heat, promotes urination, detoxifies, and kills parasites, showing good efficacy for skin diseases caused by damp-heat, such as syphilis and eczema; while Fu Ling is primarily used to strengthen the spleen and promote urination, often combined in formulas that tonify qi and strengthen the spleen. In terms of taste, Tu Fu Ling is more bitter, while Fu Ling has a mild flavor.
The preparation methods also differ. To prepare Fu Ling, it needs to be soaked, cleaned, slightly steamed, and then peeled and cut into pieces or thick slices to dry. For Tu Fu Ling, it should be soaked, cleaned, thoroughly moistened, sliced thinly, and dried. The cut surface is white to light reddish-brown, powdery, with visible vascular bundles and many small bright spots.
Daily Use of Fu Ling
Fu Ling Porridge
Using Fu Ling to make porridge is one of the simplest and most practical methods. Prepare 100g of japonica rice, 15g of Fu Ling, and seasonings such as salt, MSG, and pepper to taste. Wash the rice, add about 1L or slightly more water to the pot, then add the rice and Fu Ling powder. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat to simmer into porridge, adding seasonings as desired.
Fu Ling Egg Soup
In summer, when humidity is high, people may experience insomnia due to heat or other reasons. Drinking Fu Ling egg soup at night can greatly help improve sleep quality. Prepare 15g of Fu Ling, three bowls of water, and one egg. Soak the Fu Ling in water for a while, then rinse it clean. Beat the egg in a bowl (you can remove the egg white and keep only the yolk). Boil the Fu Ling in a pot until the three bowls of water reduce to about one bowl, then quickly pour the water into the beaten egg (yolk) while stirring to create egg flower.
As a Medicinal Preparation
Under the guidance of a physician, Fu Ling can be combined with other herbs to make decoctions or pills. This is the orthodox way to consume Fu Ling, as it is not entirely free of side effects. This method minimizes its side effects. Such preparations are often used to treat urinary difficulties or symptoms like insomnia and palpitations, showing good efficacy. When preparing Fu Ling as a medicinal agent, it is often combined with herbs like Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Huang Qi (Astragalus), and Fu Zi (Aconite) based on individual constitution.
As Food
Fu Ling can also be made into food. It contains polysaccharides, proteins, and lecithin, which are essential for the human body, promoting diuresis, lowering blood sugar, and eliminating dampness. Common culinary methods include making soups, porridge, tea, Fu Ling cakes, Fu Ling wine, and Fu Ling paste. Different preparations yield different flavors and effects.
Note
Important Considerations
While consuming Fu Ling has many benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. Generally, those with a yin deficiency and no damp-heat, those with symptoms of deficiency-cold and nocturnal emissions, kidney deficiency, qi deficiency, and excessive sweating should avoid it, as it may harm the body. Additionally, excessive consumption of Fu Ling is not advisable; traditional health theories suggest that moderation is key, and overconsumption can also be harmful. Therefore, it is best to understand whether Fu Ling is suitable for you before consuming it. This information can be found online or by consulting a professional TCM practitioner. If discomfort occurs after consumption, seek medical attention immediately.
Wei Gu Yuan
Wei Gu Yuan is a nutrient for bone cell regeneration containing a large amount of Fu Ling and oats, which can promote urination and dampness elimination, strengthen the spleen, improve the internal environment, regulate constipation, and enhance the absorption of nutrients, especially calcium. The inulin it contains can control blood lipids, lower blood sugar, and promote mineral absorption, increasing the number of bifidobacteria in the intestines, aiding in the recovery of burns and wounds, improving skin conditions like acne, and providing a whitening effect. It has protective effects on the liver and prevents colon cancer, effectively improving constipation symptoms and odor (3-5 days). The taurine in Wei Gu Yuan relaxes skeletal muscles and antagonizes muscle spasms, inhibits platelet aggregation, lowers blood lipids, maintains normal blood pressure, and prevents arteriosclerosis; it protects myocardial cells and can prevent arrhythmias; it has special efficacy in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood and can treat heart failure. The collagen peptides in Wei Gu Yuan increase bone flexibility and provide nutrients for osteoblast regeneration. Its unique cucumber seed extract is an excellent calcium supplement. The rich vitamins in Wei Gu Yuan promote mucosal development and calcium absorption, preventing osteoporosis and fractures in the elderly, while ferrous fumarate can prevent iron deficiency anemia.
