Poria ~ Poriae cocos ~ (English name “Tuckahoe”)

Poria

Latin name: Poriae cocos (English name “Tuckahoe”)

Family: Polyporaceae

Part used: (fungus) fruiting body, outer peel

Habitat: native toChina

Main constituents: pachymose, pachyman, fatty acids, fiber

Energetics: sweet, bland, neutral

Main herbal actions: minor tonic, diuretic, sedative, tranquilizer, hypoglycemic

Minor herbal actions: liver protective, smooth muscle relaxant

Main medicinal uses: edema and water retention, diarrhea, anxiety, mucus, urinary imbalances

Minor medicinal uses: palpitations, vertigo, restlessness, insomnia, chronic schizophrenia, loss of appetitie

Preparations: pwd: 6-15 g qd; decoction: 10-20 g qd

Contraindications: frequent, copious urination associated with deficiency and coldness

Toxicity: none known

Sources: http://www.holistic-online.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h372.htm; http://botanicum.com/singles/fuling.htm; http://alternativehealing.org/fu_ling.htm