Adaptogen
Poria
Also known as: Poria cocos, fu ling, tuckahoe, Indian bread
Poria is a medicinal fungus used in Traditional Chinese Medicine primarily as a digestive and immune-supporting agent. It contains polysaccharides and triterpenes with immunomodulatory and mild sedative properties.
Primary uses
- Digestive support
- Immune function
- Stress resilience
- Sleep quality
How it works
- Polysaccharide-mediated immune modulation
- Triterpene anti-inflammatory activity
- Anxiolytic effects (mild)
- Digestive enzyme modulation
Dosage
- Typical range
- 1500-3000 mg daily (powdered sclerotium or extract)
- Timing
- Typically with meals or as directed in traditional formulas
- With food
- Often combined with other herbs in decoctions; take with food if GI sensitive
- Duration
- Traditional use spans weeks to months; safe for long-term use based on history
- Special populations
- Minimal data in pregnancy/nursing; generally considered safe in traditional medicine
Forms
- dried powder· 70/100
- decoction· 70/100
- extract· 70/100
- capsule· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Mild diuretic effect
- Diarrhea or constipation (rare)
- Allergic reactions (uncommon)
Contraindications
- Kidney qi deficiency (TCM contraindication — excessive diuretic effect)
- Mushroom allergies
- Severe dehydration
Evidence notes
Limited human RCT evidence; traditional use is extensive in TCM; most evidence is from in vitro studies or small observational reports; quality studies are lacking.
Grade D: Primarily pre-clinical or anecdotal; human efficacy not established.
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