Fu Ling (Poria) is a commonly used material in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is believed to have a sweet, bland, and neutral nature, entering the Heart, Lung, and Spleen meridians. It has the effects of promoting urination, eliminating dampness, strengthening the spleen and stomach, and calming the mind. Fu Ling is a valuable ingredient, and there is an old saying: “One ounce of Fu Ling is worth one ounce of gold.” So, how should Fu Ling be consumed?
Dampness is the source of many evils and the root cause of various diseases. Although dampness does not discriminate by season, it is particularly prevalent during the “Long Summer,” which refers to the hot and humid days at the transition from summer to autumn. High temperatures and increased humidity can lead many people to consume excessive cold foods and drinks or seek the coolness of air conditioning, making them susceptible to “dampness evil.”
Are you suffering from dampness? A one-minute test.
Generally, those with heavy dampness often exhibit the following symptoms:
Observe the tongue: The tongue is swollen, with teeth marks on the sides, and a thick, greasy, white coating.
Observe the stool: The stool is loose, sticky, and difficult to flush clean.
Observe the body shape: Generally, “overweight individuals tend to have more dampness.”
Observe the mental state: A feeling of heaviness in the head, fatigue, lack of energy, and reluctance to engage in activities.
Observe the rash characteristics: Swelling, erosion, and noticeable exudation.
Observe the itchy areas: Heavy dampness tends to invade the lower parts of the body, with itching commonly occurring in the scrotum, calves, and feet.
Having discussed how to determine if you have heavy dampness, let’s talk about how to strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness!
What to do if you have heavy dampness?
TCM suggests using “Fu Ling” in water to eliminate dampness while also strengthening the spleen and stomach.
TCM Recipe: Fu Ling and Rose Tea
It is recommended to combine Fu Ling, rose, Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica), Yu Zhu (Polygonatum odoratum), and Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii) to brew for about 45 minutes. This combination has the effects of promoting urination, eliminating dampness, detoxifying, and reducing swelling, while also strengthening the spleen and stomach. For those with heavy dampness, simply brewing pre-packaged Fu Ling and rose tea in hot water can effectively eliminate dampness evil, reduce edema, and with long-term adherence, can also beautify the skin, tonify Qi, invigorate blood, and improve complexion.
TCM suggests that individuals with heavy dampness regularly drink water brewed with the above five herbs to expel dampness, which can also help prevent weight gain. These ingredients should be adjusted according to individual circumstances and should not be consumed excessively.
Fu Ling has significant health benefits, and there is a saying: “One ounce of Fu Ling is worth one ounce of gold.” If combined with Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus) in water, it is considered the best pairing.
Especially now that we have entered summer, the dampness in the body can become quite severe, making it crucial to eliminate dampness.
If you consistently drink water brewed with Huang Qi and Fu Ling, it can help accelerate metabolism, eliminate internal dampness and cold, strengthen the spleen and nourish the stomach, enhance immunity, and prevent diseases.
Fu Ling has a sweet, bland taste and a neutral nature. It enters the Heart, Lung, Spleen, and Kidney meridians, promoting urination and eliminating dampness, strengthening the spleen, and calming the mind. It helps the spleen transform and transport water in the body. Dampness is water that cannot be transformed and eliminated by the body, and Fu Ling can help the body expel this water, achieving the effect of eliminating dampness, particularly for those with edema, reduced urination, and issues with fluid metabolism.
However, for those who are picky eaters, consuming Fu Ling alone or in porridge may be unpalatable. Therefore, we can mix it with other foods to facilitate nutrient absorption, achieve the effect of strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness, while also satisfying culinary desires, providing both physical and mental satisfaction.
Recommended Diet: Fu Ling + Shan Yao (Chinese Yam)
Shan Yao nourishes the spleen and stops diarrhea, benefits the lungs, and nourishes Yin. For those with spleen Yin deficiency who are prone to heat, resulting in chapped lips, Shan Yao can be beneficial. Fu Ling is sweet and bland, promotes urination and eliminates dampness, and strengthens the spleen, focusing on the elimination aspect. Shan Yao is sweet and neutral, strengthens the spleen, benefits Qi, and solidifies the kidneys, focusing on the tonifying aspect. When used together, Fu Ling benefits from Shan Yao’s ability to eliminate dampness without harming Yin, while Shan Yao benefits from Fu Ling’s ability to strengthen the spleen without retaining dampness. This combination provides both tonification and elimination, making it suitable for those with spleen deficiency and dampness who cannot tolerate strong tonics or diuretics.
If you have time on the weekend, you can cook a pot of Fu Ling and Shan Yao porridge.
Ingredients: Bai Fu Ling (White Poria), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), and Japonica rice.
Method: Soak Fu Ling in clean water a day in advance, soak Japonica rice for an hour beforehand, wash and peel Shan Yao, cut it into small pieces, and soak in clean water. Combine all ingredients, wash them clean, and place them in a clay pot with an appropriate amount of clean water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer on low heat until it becomes porridge.
Contraindications for Fu Ling
1. Individuals with Yin deficiency and dryness.
Individuals with Yin deficiency may experience an imbalance of Yin and Yang, leading to dry mouth and throat. Consuming Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala) and Fu Ling water can be beneficial for strengthening the spleen and tonifying Qi, but this group may experience discomfort after consumption.
2. Individuals with Qi stagnation and fullness.
Bai Zhu and Fu Ling have the effects of promoting urination and eliminating dampness, but those with Qi stagnation and fullness may find their condition worsened after consumption, which is not conducive to recovery.
3. Individuals with Kidney deficiency and frequent urination.
Bai Zhu and Fu Ling can promote urination and eliminate dampness, but those with Kidney deficiency and frequent urination may experience increased urination frequency and even lead to conditions like nocturnal emissions.
4. Diabetic patients.
Fu Ling contains a high amount of starch, which may affect blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, potentially leading to increased blood sugar levels and negatively impacting health.