Plum Dragon Herbs

Fu Ling, Pian (Poria)

$2.50

Fu Ling (Poria Cocos) is a highly sought-after traditional Chinese herb used for promoting overall wellness. This premium grade Poria Cocos is sourced directly from our trusted supplier, known for their high-quality Chinese herbs. Fu Ling is commonly used to support digestion and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. It's also traditionally used to support a healthy sleep, reducing anxiety and promoting a feeling of calmness. Fu Ling is also known for its diuretic properties and is used to support the urinary tract and kidney function. It is also used to support the immune system, and as a natural remedy to help with menstrual cramps and discomfort. 

Poria is a tonifying fungus that often grows on the bark of a number of trees. This mildly sweet herb has a neutral energy and is of the category of herbs to regulate water and resolve dampness. As such, it can be used to flush fluids from an injury. It is also tonic to the spleen and calms the spirit.

High Quality Fu Ling: What does it look like?

High-quality Fu Ling (Poria cocos) has the following characteristics:

  • Appearance: Dried Fu Ling is typically white or light beige in color, with a porous, spongy texture. It should be free from any impurities or debris.

  • Aroma: Fu Ling has a mild, slightly sweet and earthy aroma. The aroma should be consistent and not too strong or overpowering.

  • Taste: Fu Ling has a mild, slightly sweet and slightly bitter taste, it is not considered to have a strong taste.

  • Texture: Fu Ling should have a spongy and porous texture, it should be easy to break or crush and should not be too hard or too soft.

  • Size and Shape: Fu Ling is typically small and irregular in shape and the size can vary.

  • Moisture content: High-quality Fu Ling should be dry, but not too dry. It should not be brittle or crumbly, and should not have any signs of mold or discoloration.

  • Purity: High-quality Fu Ling should be free from any contaminants, such as dust, sand, or other impurities.

How is Fu Ling prepared and processed?

Fu Ling, also known as Poria or Tuckahoe, is a herb that is native to China and other parts of Asia. It grows mainly on the roots of pine trees in damp and humid environments. In cultivation, it prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil and a warm, humid climate, and is typically grown in mountainous regions at elevations of 800-3000 meters. It is a small mushroom-like sclerotium that grows underground, it is not a plant. It is used for medicinal purposes. It requires a moist, shaded environment and well-drained soil with a pH of 5-7 to grow well.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Fu Ling is harvested from the sclerotium of the Poria cocos fungus, which grows on the roots of pine trees. The sclerotium is typically collected in the fall and winter months, when it is mature and fully developed. The sclerotium is then cleaned, sliced, and dried before being stored for later use.

In the harvesting process, it is important to ensure that the sclerotium is collected from healthy, mature pine trees and that it is not contaminated with other materials or fungi. It is also important to ensure that the sclerotium is dried properly to prevent mold or rot. After that it is cleaned, sliced, and dried again before being stored for later use.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Fu Ling is typically prepared by boiling it in water to make a decoction, or by drying and powdering it to make pills or capsules.

To make a decoction, the dried slices of Fu Ling are first washed and then placed in a pot with water. The pot is then brought to a boil and simmered for a period of time, typically around 15-30 minutes, depending on the desired strength of the decoction. The decoction can be consumed as is, or it can be combined with other herbs to make a formula.

For pills or capsules, the dried slices of Fu Ling are ground into a fine powder. The powder can then be mixed with other herbs and binders to make pills or capsules.

Fu Ling can also be used as an ingredient in herbal teas or soups. It is considered to be a safe herb to use and it is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is often combined with other herbs such as Bai Zhu, Ren Shen and Zhi Gan Cao to enhance its effectiveness when treating digestive and urinary issues. Practitioners must take into account the patient's overall condition and the compatibility of the herbs when making a formula.

Popular Recipe for Fu Ling

Fu Ling is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) rather than Chinese cuisine, so there are not many recipes that include Fu Ling. However, one popular recipe that includes Fu Ling is "Fu Ling and Chicken Soup", which is a traditional Chinese soup that is believed to have a nourishing and tonifying effect on the body.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb of chicken (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1/4 cup of dried Fu Ling (Poria)
  • 2 cups of vegetables (such as carrots, onions, and mushrooms)
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp of oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water or broth to cover the ingredients

Instructions:

  1. Soak the dried Fu Ling in water for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. Drain the Fu Ling and rinse them.
  3. Cut the vegetables into small pieces.
  4. In a pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
  5. Add the minced garlic and stir fry until fragrant.
  6. Add the chicken to the pot and stir fry until it is browned.
  7. Add the sliced Fu Ling to the pot and stir fry for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Add the vegetables to the pot and stir fry for another 2-3 minutes.
  9. Add enough water or broth to cover the ingredients.
  10. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  11. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

 

Safety Precautions for the use of Fu Ling

While it is considered safe when used as directed, there are some general safety precautions to keep in mind when using Fu Ling:

  • Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Fu Ling, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any pre-existing medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, or a history of allergies.
  • Keep Fu Ling away from children and pets, as it can be dangerous if ingested in large amounts.
  • Avoid using Fu Ling if you have a history of allergic reactions.
  • Fu Ling may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea, if taken in large doses, so it is best to start with a small dose and gradually increase it.
  • Avoid using Fu Ling if you are taking medication for blood pressure, blood thinning or sedative drugs, as it may interact with them.
  • Fu Ling should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care. If you experience any adverse reactions, seek immediate medical attention.

When handling Fu Ling, it's important to take proper precautions as with any herb or supplement. You should always make sure that your hands are clean and dry before handling the herb. Keep it in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight, and avoid storing it in damp or humid areas.

 

Additional Information About Fu Ling

Common Names: Fu Ling (Pian, Indian Bread, Tuckahoe); Poria Cocos; Poria 茯苓 (白茯苓); Poria

Properties: Sweet, bland, neutral

Channels Entered: Heart, Spleen, Kidney

Customer Reviews

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M
Marjorie Spencer
Peoria

The quality of the herbs, including Poria that I purchase from Plum
Dragon has been excellent. I have used this in a herbal formula for years and have found it to be satisfactory and helpful.

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