Functions and Uses of Poria Cocos

There are many types of traditional Chinese medicine that we commonly use, and Poria cocos is a typical one. When using Poria cocos, we need to correctly understand its efficacy and functions to ensure that its medicinal effects are fully exerted. Poria cocos can not only be decocted, but also can be added to diets and made into medicinal diet. While eating, it resolves the physical illnesses. So, what are the functions, effects, and ways of eating Poria cocos? Let's take a look below.

Functions and Effects of Poria Cocos

1. Nourishing Heart and Calming the Mind
According to the "Ben Cao Jing Shu", Poria cocos can "open the chest and abdomen, regulate the viscera, ... nourish the heart and benefit the spleen." In traditional Chinese medicine, Poria cocos is commonly used to regulate symptoms such as restless mind, palpitations, depression, insomnia, and excessive dreaming.

2. Strengthening the Spleen and Tonifying Qi
The "Ben Cao Yan Yi" records that Poria cocos is indispensable for nourishing the heart and spleen. The "Yong Yao Xin Fa" records that Poria cocos can "nourish the spleen, eliminate water retention, promote saliva secretion, and regulate qi." In traditional Chinese medicine, Poria cocos is commonly used as an adjuvant medicine for strengthening the spleen and tonifying qi, especially for symptoms such as diarrhea and vaginal discharge caused by abnormal spleen function.

3. Regulating Dampness and Phlegm
The "Shi Bu Zhai Yi Shu" records that "Poria cocos is the main medicine for treating phlegm. The root of phlegm is water, and Poria cocos can promote the flow of water. The movement of phlegm is dampness, and Poria cocos can also regulate dampness." Poria cocos has a significant therapeutic effect on symptoms such as spleen deficiency that cannot transport water and dampness, resulting in the accumulation and formation of damp-phlegm.

4. Nourishing the Middle and Strengthening the Stomach
The "Ben Cao Zheng" records that Poria cocos can "nourish the middle and strengthen the stomach, dispel convulsions and epilepsy, and thicken the intestines." Modern medical research believes that Poria cocos has a direct relaxing effect on isolated rabbit intestinal tubes, prevents the formation of ulcers caused by ligation of the pylorus in rats, and can reduce gastric acid secretion. Therefore, Poria cocos is a good medicine for regulating gastrointestinal diseases.

5. Diuretic
The "Compendium of Materia Medica" records that "Poria cocos has a mild and permeable taste, its nature is ascending, it generates saliva, opens pores, nourishes water sources, and descends to promote urination." Therefore, traditional Chinese medicine often uses Poria cocos to regulate symptoms such as difficult urination and edema. Additionally, Poria cocos has a mild medicinal nature and can promote urination without harming the body.

6. Anti-tumor
Poria cocos is rich in polysaccharides, vitamins, selenium, and other trace elements, which can enhance the immune function of human cells and humoral fluids and improve bone marrow hematopoiesis. Modern medical experiments have confirmed that Poria cocos polysaccharides have a significant inhibitory effect on sarcoma in mice. It can also enhance the appetite of cancer patients, control symptoms, and reduce the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Ways to Consume Poria Cocos

1. Poria Cocos Tofu
Ingredients: 20g of Poria cocos powder, 500g of tofu, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms (serves 3 people).
Cooking method: Mix the Poria cocos powder evenly with the tofu, season with salt and cooking wine. Then fry the carrots and well-soaked shiitake mushrooms in a pan until half-cooked. Add the tofu to the pan, add an appropriate amount of water, and cook over low heat until done. Finally, season and serve. This dish helps strengthen the spleen, resolve dampness, digest food, and reduce weight. However, since the main ingredient is tofu, people with renal insufficiency or gout should avoid eating too much.

2. Lotus Leaf and Poria Cocos Congee
Ingredients: 1 piece of lotus leaf (fresh or dried), 50g of Poria cocos, 100g of japonica rice or millet, and an appropriate amount