Poria mushroom
Other names for Poria mushroom
fu ling
fu-ling
fu-ling extract
fu ling (poria cocos) fungus
fu shen
fu shen sclerotium
hoelen sclerotium
hoelen sclerotium concentrated extract
hoelen sclerotium extract
organic fu ling
organic fuling
organic polyporus umbellatus
organic polyporus umbellatus mycelia
organic poria
organic poria cocos
organic poria cocos mushroom
organic wolfiporia cocos
organic zhu ling
organic zhuling
polyporous
polyporous umbrellatus
polyporus
polyporus mushroom
polyporus sclerotium
polyporus umbellatus
polyporus umbellatus fungus
polyporus umbellatus sclerotium
poria
poria cocos
poria cocos extract
poria cocos fungus
poria cocos (root) extract
poria cocos sclerotium
poria cocos sclerotium extract
poria cocos (sclerotium) powder
poria extract
poria fungal body
poria fungus
poria fungus extract
poria mushroom
poria (poria cocos) sclerotium double extract
poria (poria cocus) sclerotium extract
poria sclerotium
poria (sclerotium) extract
poria sclerotium extract
poria sclerotium mushroom extract
poria sclerotium (poria cocos) extract
poria spirit
poria (wolfiporia cocos) (sclerotium)
sclerotium poria cocos
sclerotium poriae coco
sclerotium poriae cocos
umbellatus
wildcrafted zhu ling extract
wildcrafted zhu ling (polyporous umbellatus) dried sclerotium liquid extract
wolfiporia cocos
wolfiporia extensa
zhu ling
zhu ling extract
zhu ling, freeze dried
zhu ling, freeze-dried
zhu ling fungus
zhu ling mushroom
zhu ling sclerotium
zhu ling sclerotium extract
Synopsis of Poria mushroom
History
Poria mushroom (Poria cocos), also known as Fu Ling in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a rich history of medicinal use spanning over two millennia. Revered throughout East Asia, Poria has been cherished for its gentle yet powerful effects on health and wellness. Ancient texts praise Poria for its ability to promote urination, strengthen the spleen, and calm the mind. It was widely prescribed to alleviate symptoms of edema, digestive disturbances, palpitations, and insomnia—conditions often linked to fluid retention or imbalances in TCM theory.
Remedies featuring Poria were commonly used to address dampness—a concept in TCM describing excessive internal moisture leading to sluggishness or swelling. Poria’s mild diuretic properties helped expel this dampness, making it a go-to ingredient in formulas for bloating, loose stools, and urinary issues. Additionally, it was valued for soothing the spirit, finding its way into remedies for restlessness and mild anxiety.
Poria is seldom used alone; instead, it shines as a supportive herb in numerous classic herbal combinations. Notably, it is central to “Four Gentlemen Decoction” (Si Jun Zi Tang), a foundational blend for boosting digestion and energy. It also partners with other herbs such as licorice, ginseng, and white atractylodes to amplify their effects and reduce any harshness. Modern herbalists continue to include Poria in formulas for immune support, digestive health, and stress balance. Its enduring popularity highlights its gentle efficacy, exceptional safety profile, and vital role in both traditional and contemporary wellness practices.
Traditional and scientific validation
Poria mushroom (Poria cocos), also known as Fu Ling, has been valued in traditional Chinese medicine for over two millennia. Historically, it has been used to promote urination, support digestion, calm the mind, and strengthen the spleen. Its long-standing use is documented in ancient texts, and it remains a common ingredient in classical herbal formulas for balancing bodily fluids and supporting general well-being.
Modern scientific interest in Poria mushroom has grown in recent decades. Laboratory studies have identified a range of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and steroids, which may contribute to its health-promoting properties. Experimental research suggests that these constituents exhibit potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and diuretic effects. For example, several in vitro and animal studies have reported that Poria polysaccharides can modulate immune function and may protect against oxidative stress.
Clinical research on Poria mushroom in humans remains limited but promising. Some small-scale studies have evaluated its use in combination with other herbs for conditions such as insomnia, edema, or digestive disturbances, often reporting beneficial effects. However, these studies are typically preliminary and involve multi-herb formulas, making it difficult to isolate Poria's specific contributions. To date, large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm and clarify its efficacy and safety in various health applications.
Overall, Poria mushroom’s rich historical legacy, coupled with encouraging laboratory data, supports its continued use as a functional ingredient in nutritional products. While more robust clinical research is warranted, its traditional and emerging scientific profile highlights its positive potential in health and wellness.
Poria mushroom is used for these health conditions
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Bladder Infection (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fatty Liver Disease (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Hepatitis (Traditional)
Hypertension (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Kidney Infection (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen) (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Nephritis (Traditional)
Nervous Exhaustion (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
PMS (general) (Traditional)
Sleep (restless and disturbed) (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
Poria mushroom is used to support these body systems
Bladder (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)