Poria / Fu Ling
Poria is an edible mushroom that suppresses inflammation (reducing menstrual cramps) and protects nerve cells (alleviating depression and boosting mood).
Helps with:
Cramps
Digestion
Sleep
Mood Swings
How it heals
In Chinese Medicine, Poria dries damp, promotes urination, and strengthens the spleen. It also quiets the heart and calms the spirit, which promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
In Western medicine, Poria is an antibacterial and antidiarrheal antioxidant. It protects the liver and immune system, and has been shown to inhibit the growth of human cancer cells.
Fun Fact: Poria cocos is named for its sclerotium—the hardened fungal mycelium containing food reserves—which resembles a small coconut.
What the research says
Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCPs) have a wide range of
biological activities, including anti-tumor, immunomodulation,
anti-inflammation, antioxidation, anti-aging, anti-hepatitis, anti-diabetics and anti-
hemorrhagic fever effects.
Read ArticlePoria fights against inflammation by decreasing the expression of
pro-inflammatory enzymes, mediators, and cytokines.
Read ArticlePoria can alleviate dysmenorrhea symptoms by increasing the
expression of Superoxide dismutase and reducing the amount of
Malondialdehyde.
Read ArticlePoria has a diuretic effect through the ethyl acetate and n-
butanol fractions that are present.
