Evidence supporting the use of: Poria Mushrooms
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Poria mushrooms (Poria cocos), also known as Fu Ling in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have a long history of use as a herbal remedy for various ailments, including insomnia. In TCM, Poria is often included in formulas intended to calm the mind, nourish the heart, and promote better sleep. Its sedative and anxiolytic effects are described in classical texts, and it is commonly combined with other herbs such as Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus seed) and Bai Zi Ren (Biota seed) in traditional insomnia remedies. The traditional rationale is that Poria helps "drain dampness" and "strengthen the spleen," which in TCM theory can indirectly calm the spirit and aid sleep. Modern scientific research on Poria's effectiveness for insomnia is limited. Some preliminary studies suggest potential sedative or anxiolytic effects, but these are mostly in vitro or animal studies, and robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Therefore, while there is a strong traditional basis for its use, scientific validation remains minimal. The evidence rating is a 2, reflecting strong traditional use with only modest preclinical scientific support and a lack of high-quality clinical data.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut
Other health conditions supported by Poria Mushrooms
AnxietyAnxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Bladder Infection
Bronchitis
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Gastritis
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Kidney Infection
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Menopause
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Pain (general remedies for)
Stress
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores