Fu Ling (Poria), also known as Yu Ling (Jade Spirit), Fu Ling (Poria), Wan Ling Gui (Ten Thousand Spirit Cinnamon), and Fu Tu (Poria Fungus). It is the dried sclerotium of the fungus from the family Polyporaceae. It is harvested mainly from July to September. After excavation, the soil and sand are removed, and it is piled up to “sweat” before being spread out to dry until the surface is dry, then “sweated” again, repeating this process until wrinkles appear and most of the internal moisture is lost, then it is dried in the shade, referred to as “Fu Ling Ge”; or the fresh Poria can be cut into different parts and dried in the shade, referred to as “Fu Ling Kuai” and “Fu Ling Pian”. After refinement, it is called Bai Fu Ling (White Poria) or Yun Ling (Cloud Poria).
1. Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
Fu Ling is used for symptoms such as difficulty urinating and edema. Fu Ling functions to promote urination and drain dampness, and its properties are mild, promoting urination without harming the vital energy, making it a key herb for draining dampness. For symptoms of difficulty urinating and stagnation of dampness, regardless of whether they are due to cold dampness, damp-heat, or spleen deficiency with damp accumulation, it can be used in combination.
For those with cold dampness, it can be combined with Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes);
For those with damp-heat, it can be combined with Zhu Ling (Polyporus), Ze Xie (Alisma);
For those with spleen qi deficiency, it can be combined with Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Huang Qi (Astragalus), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes);
For those with deficiency-cold, it can also be combined with Fu Zi (Aconite), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes).
2. Strengthens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Stomach
Fu Ling can treat diarrhea caused by spleen deficiency that cannot transform fluids.
3. Calms the Heart and Settles the Spirit
Fu Ling can be used for palpitations and insomnia. Fu Ling nourishes the heart and calms the spirit, thus it can be used for symptoms of restlessness, palpitations, and insomnia, often combined with Ren Shen (Ginseng), Yuan Zhi (Polygala), Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed).
4. Antibacterial Effects
The 100% decoction of Fu Ling has inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Proteus using the plate hole method.
5. Reduces Blood Sugar
6. Antitumor Effects
Fu Ling polysaccharides have shown strong antitumor effects in animal experiments. Fu Ling has functions of anti-thymic atrophy, anti-splenomegaly, and inhibiting tumor growth.
7. Effects on Immune Function
(1) Increases the cytotoxicity of macrophages.
(2) Hydroxymethyl Fu Ling polysaccharides can significantly enhance the number of spleen antibody-secreting cells and specific antigen-binding cells in mice.
(3) Increases the number of acid non-specific esterase positive lymphocytes.
(4) Enhances the cytotoxicity of T lymphocytes.
8. Effects on the Blood System
Fu Ling can accelerate the recovery of white blood cells and can increase red blood cells in healthy individuals by about 25%, effectively delaying the depletion of blood cells during incubation.
9. Treatment of Colds
For colds caused by damp-heat, leading to cough, excessive phlegm, and even accompanied by symptoms such as weakness in the limbs, fatigue, and back pain, Fu Ling can be used in porridge or soup for auxiliary treatment.
Fu Ling Tea:
1. Fu Ling, Huang Qi (Astragalus), and Rose Tea
Huang Qi 10g + Fu Ling 10g + Bai Shao (White Peony) 10g + Rose petals to taste This is effective for spleen and stomach weakness, qi and blood deficiency, and sallow skin.
2. Fu Ling and Bai Zhu Tea
Fu Ling 5g + Bai Zhu 5g + Bai Shao 5g + Licorice 3g Can strengthen the spleen, reduce swelling, moisten the lungs, and whiten the skin.
3. Mulberry and Fu Ling Tea Mulberry 10g + Fu Ling 10g + Lily 10g + 3 Red Dates + Rose petals to taste
Beauty and skin nourishment, tonifying the middle and benefiting qi, antioxidant and anti-aging, nourishing the liver and protecting the kidneys.
4. Whitening and Nourishing Tea Bai Fu Ling 5g + Bai Zhu 5g + Bai Shao 5g + Licorice 3g + Red Dates to taste + Goji Berries to taste
Method 1: Wash the ingredients and place them in a pot, add clean water and boil for 30 minutes.
Method 2: After washing, place in a cup and pour boiling water to brew (boiling is better than steeping).
Fu Ling and Bai Zhu strengthen the spleen and tonify qi, Bai Shao nourishes the blood, improves immunity, can moisten the skin and whiten, nourish the skin, and delay aging.
Dietary Health
1. Lotus Leaf and Fu Ling Porridge
Ingredients: 1 Lotus Leaf (fresh or dried), 50g Fu Ling, 100g Japonica rice or millet, appropriate amount of white sugar.
Method:
(1) Boil the lotus leaf to extract the juice and remove the residue, add Fu Ling and washed Japonica rice or millet to the lotus leaf juice;
(2) Cook together to make porridge, add white sugar to taste before serving.
This porridge clears heat and relieves summer heat, calms the heart and settles the spirit, stops diarrhea and dysentery, and has auxiliary therapeutic effects for cardiovascular diseases and neurasthenia.
2. Fu Ling Tofu
Ingredients: 20g Fu Ling powder, 500g tofu, appropriate amount of carrot and shiitake mushrooms (serves 3)
Method:
(1) Mix Fu Ling powder with tofu evenly, season with salt and cooking wine;
(2) Stir-fry the carrot and soaked shiitake mushrooms until half-cooked;
(3) Add the tofu to the pot, add appropriate water, reduce heat and simmer, then season and serve.
Strengthens the spleen, transforms dampness, aids digestion, and helps with weight loss. Since the main ingredient in this medicinal dish is tofu, it is not suitable for those with renal insufficiency or gout to consume in excess.
3. Fu Ling and Chestnut Porridge
Ingredients: 15g Fu Ling, 25g chestnuts, 10 red dates, 100g Japonica rice.
Method:
(1) Boil water first to cook the chestnuts, red dates, and Japonica rice;
(2) Grind Fu Ling into powder;
(3) When the rice is half-cooked, gradually add the Fu Ling powder, stirring well;
(4) Cook until the chestnuts are fully cooked. Sugar can be added to taste.
Fu Ling and chestnut porridge tonifies the spleen, drains dampness, stops diarrhea, and benefits the spleen and stomach. It is used for spleen and stomach deficiency, reduced appetite, and loose stools.
4. Fu Ling Chicken Wontons
Ingredients: 50g Fu Ling, appropriate amount of chicken, 200g flour, appropriate amount of ginger, pepper, and salt.
Method:
(1) Grind Fu Ling into fine powder;
(2) Mix with flour and water to form a dough;
(3) Finely chop the chicken, add ginger, pepper, and salt to make the filling, and wrap into wontons.
(4) Finally, boil to eat.
Fu Ling strengthens the spleen and drains dampness, while chicken tonifies the spleen and benefits qi, and ginger and pepper stimulate appetite and aid digestion. Fu Ling chicken wontons are used for spleen and stomach deficiency, nausea, reduced appetite, and indigestion.
5. Fu Ling Paste
Ingredients: 500g Bai Fu Ling, 1000g white honey,
Method:
(1) First grind Bai Fu Ling into fine powder, wash away the floating material with water, and collect the sediment;
(2) Repeat the washing and drying process three times, then grind into fine powder again;
(3) Finally, mix with white honey and heat until it forms beads when dripped in water;
(4) Then bottle for storage, take 12-15g twice daily, with boiled water.
Regular consumption of Fu Ling paste is beneficial for elderly edema, obesity, and cancer prevention.
Dietary Restrictions
Those with kidney deficiency and frequent urination, deficiency-cold with slippery essence, qi deficiency with sinking, dry mouth due to fluid damage, and prolapse should use with caution. Avoid rice vinegar.
