English: Red poria
Chinese: 赤茯苓
Parts used: The outer red part of the dried sclerotium
TCM category: Herbs that drain Dampness
TCM nature: Neutral
TCM taste(s): Sweet
Organ affinity: Kidney
Scientific name: Wolfiporia extensa
Other names: Hoelen, Poria rubra, Tuckahoe, China root, Matsuhodo
Use of Chi Fu Ling (red poria) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Soak in water, wash, steam slightly, extract the outer red part, cut into pieces or thick slices, dry.
Dosage: 10 to 15g
Main actions according to TCM*: Removes Damp-Heat, regulates Water metabolism
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Chi Fu Ling may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Oliguria Acne Spermatorrhea Urinary difficulties Polyuria
Contraindications*: Should not be used when there is frequent and copious urination when associated with a Cold Deficiency.
Common TCM formulas in which Chi Fu Ling is used*
Wu Lin San
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Formula key actions: Clears heat. Cools the Blood. Promotes urination. Unblocks painful urinary dribbling.
Conditions targeted*: UrethritisCystitis and others
Chi Fu Ling is a deputy ingredient in Wu Lin San. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Wu Lin San, Chi Fu Ling drains Damp-Heat from the Heart, Small Intestine, and Bladder by promoting urination and unblocking the lower body orifices.
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Source date: 1590 AD
Number of ingredients: 9 herbs
Formula key actions: Enriches the Kidney Yin. Nourishes the Liver Blood.
Conditions targeted*: AlopeciaPremature graying of the hair and others
Chi Fu Ling is an assistant ingredient in Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan. This means that it either serves to reinforces the effect of other ingredients or it moderates their toxicity.
In Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, Chi Fu Ling assists the Bladder's draining function. It leaches out any Dampness or turbidity in the body.
Key TCM concepts behind Chi Fu Ling's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Chi Fu Ling belongs to the 'Herbs that drain Dampness' category. These herbs are typically diuretics, meaning that they promotes the increased production of urine in order to remove Dampness that has accumulated in the body. According to TCM Dampness accumulates first in the lower limbs, causing edema and impaired movement. From there, if unchecked, it can move upward and impair digestion and eventually the respiratory system.
Furthermore Chi Fu Ling is Neutral in nature. This means that Chi Fu Ling typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of Chi Fu Ling means that you don't have to worry about that!
Chi Fu Ling also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Chi Fu Ling tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Chi Fu Ling is thought to target the Kidney. According to TCM, the Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body.
Research on Chi Fu Ling
Poria-cocos mushrooms is a key source of pachymic acid which may be useful to target endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and thus may represent a promising new framework in the treatment of currently incurable pancreatic cancer. 1.
Poria-cocos mushrooms capsules achieved obvious effects in the treatment of uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, dysmenorrheal, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, breast hyperplasia and other gynecological diseases.2.
Sources:
1. Cheng S, Swanson K, Eliaz I, McClintick JN, Sandusky GE, Sliva D (2015). "Pachymic acid inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo by targeting ER stress"
2. Su ZZ, Li N, Cao L, Wang TJ, Zhang CF, Ding G, Wang ZZ, Xiao W. (2015). Main progress on studies of pharmacological activities and clinical applications of Guizhi Fuling capsule. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. , 40(6):989-92.
Use of Chi Fu Ling as food
Chi Fu Ling is also eaten as food. It is used as an ingredient in dishes such as Sweet poria cakes or Fuling tonic soup.