Evidence supporting the use of: Poria mushroom
For the health condition: Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Poria mushroom (Poria cocos, also known as Fu Ling) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is commonly prescribed to address sleep disturbances such as restlessness and insomnia. In TCM, Poria is believed to "calm the spirit" (Shen), promote urination, and strengthen the spleen, often being included in herbal formulas for conditions characterized by anxiety, palpitations, and poor sleep quality. Historical materia medica texts, such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing," describe the use of Poria for this purpose, and it remains a staple in TCM sleep and anxiety formulas like Gui Pi Tang and Suan Zao Ren Tang. From a scientific standpoint, evidence supporting Poria's efficacy for sleep is limited and primarily preclinical. Some in vitro and animal studies have suggested that certain components of Poria, such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids, may possess anxiolytic or sedative properties, possibly by modulating neurotransmitter systems. However, well-designed human clinical trials are lacking, and the current scientific evidence does not robustly validate its traditional use for improving sleep. In summary, the use of Poria mushroom for sleep disturbances is primarily justified by tradition, with a moderate level of traditional evidence and minimal scientific validation at present.
More about Poria mushroom
More about Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Other ingredients used for Sleep (restless and disturbed)
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)ashwagandha
calcium
chamomile
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
hops
iron
l-ornithine
l-tryptophan
magnesium
melatonin
ophiopogon root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
swertia
lotus seed
wood betony
5-Methoxytryptamine
Albizia
Baikal Skullcap
Codonopsis
Cannabinol
Calea zacatechichi
Capitate Valerian
Cowslip
Doxylamine succinate
Ficus religiosa
Lily
Mistletoe
Orchid
Poppy
Tarragon
Other health conditions supported by Poria mushroom
Appetite (deficient)Asthma
Bladder Infection
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Convalescence
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Kidney Infection
Liver Detoxification
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Memory and Brain Function
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Stress
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores