Description

Poria Mushroom, aka Fu Ling (Poria Cocos)

HERB COMMON NAME :  Poria Mushroom

HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Poria Cocos

OTHER NAMES :  Fu Ling, Hai Fu Ling, Fuling, Hoelen, Matsuhodo, China Root, China Tuckahoe, Indian Bread

FAMILY :  Polyporaceae

ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES :

• Element: Air
• Planet: Mercury
• Day: Sunday
• Direction: East
• Zodiac Sign: Gemini
• Chakra: 7^th Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
• Energy: Yin
• Gender: Feminine
• Spirit Animal: Elephant, Cow, Turtle, Whale
• Sabbat or Holiday: Lughnasadh / Lammas (August 1^st), Full Sturgeon Moon (August)
• Deity or God / Goddess Association: Mnemosyne, Moneta, Artemis, Diana

Parts Used:  Mushroom

Description:  Poria is a type of mushroom that has been used for 2,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and is still today one of the most commonly prescribed traditional remedies in China.

Preliminary research suggests that Poria mushrooms may help fight Alzheimer’s disease by helping the brain clear beta-amyloid, what forms plaques that cause Alzheimer’s symptoms.

A 2018 study reported that Poria extract showed cell-killing abilities in four human lung cancer cell lines. A 2020 study found it improved the anti-tumor effect of drug treatment and also reversed drug resistance.

Another 2020 study showed a compound from Poria mushrooms (pachymic acid) killed breast cancer cells, and has the potential to be used as a low side-effect treatment.

Other research has identified a polysaccharide in Poria as a potential anti-tumor drug.

Poria mushrooms have been used to fight depression by increasing serotonin and dopamine, lowering inflammation in the frontal cortex.

It is said to also help insomnia and improve sleep through action on the calming neurotransmitter GABA.

In TCM, Poria is often used to fight obesity and help with weight loss.

The anti-inflammatory effects of Poria has also shown significant effects in helping skin irritation from contact dermatitis.

In traditional medicine, Poria mushroom has also been used for loss of memory (amnesia), anxiety, stress, restlessness, fatigue, tension, nervousness, dizziness, urination problems, fluid retention, enlarged spleen, stomach problems, diarrhea, tumors, to control coughing, and for ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Granules are used in sachets that you mix with boiling water. The mushrooms can be steeped in boiling water. Some people make porridges, soups, and rice cakes from the reconstituted or powdered mushrooms, transforming the medicinal remedy into a culinary treat.

Historical Uses:  Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, lung cancer, breast cancer, anti-tumor, depression, sleeplessness, insomnia, memory loss, amnesia, anxiety, stress, restlessness, fatigue, tension, nervousness, irritability, dizziness, urination problems, fluid retention, bloating, enlarged spleen, stomach problems, diarrhea, tumors, coughing, ears ringing, tinnitus, obesity, weight loss, contact dermatitis, irritated skin

Mystical Attributes:  Poria mushrooms can be used in magic spells related to health and healing, longevity, memory, confusion, protection from insanity, and educational pursuits.

Mystical Intentions:  health, healing, longevity, eternal life, memory, confusion, protection from insanity, education, knowledge, learning problems

Taste & Smell:  The flavor is described as sweet, but bland.

Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Poria mushrooms mostly grow in the southern United States, China, Japan, and other Asian countries. It is a wood decaying fungus that has an irregular shape that resembles a potato or small coconut. The sclerotium is up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and weights up to 2.2 pounds (1 kg). The color is from pale red to white, but commonly light brown. The inside color is off-white.

The spores germinate and infect the root of plants growing and reproducing sclerotia. Poria tends to grow underground on the roots of pine trees, in particular Japanese Red and Masson Pine, as well as fir trees. In the wild, it grows very much like the European truffle. They are usually harvested from July to September.

Contraindications & Toxicity:

• In large amounts, may cause vomiting or diarrhea
• Do not use if taking anti-diuretic medications
• Do not use if pregnant or nursing

Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources

**IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product.

PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions.

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