Poria (Poria Cocos Sclerotium) — The Gentle Damp-Draining Classic

Poria—also called Hoelen, Tuckahoe, Indian Bread, Fu Shen, Yun Ling, China Root, Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, and Khumbi—is the neutral, food-like sclerotium used in TCM for gentle fluid balance, digestive ease, and calm clarity. It’s simple to use daily in teas, congee, or soups.

Last updated: September 9, 2025
Author: 1st Chinese Herbs Editorial Team (reviewed by our herbal education staff)

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Quick Facts Of Fu Ling Pi

• Common Names: Poria, Poria Cocos Fungus, Hoelen, Tuckahoe, Indian Bread, Fu Shen, Yun Ling, China Root, Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, Khumbi

• Botanical Name: Poria Cocos Sclerotium (modern taxonomy: Wolfiporia extensa sclerotium)

• Chinese / Pin Yin Name: Fu Ling Pi (peel form; see “Poria Parts” below)

• TCM Category: Drain Dampness

• Taste & Nature: Sweet, bland, neutral

• Meridians (traditional): Spleen, Heart, Kidney (often Lung noted)

• Common Forms: Main body (Fu Ling), peel (Fu Ling Pi), Fu Shen (with embedded pine root); cubes/slices, powder, capsules, granules

• Typical Daily Amounts (educational): 3–6 g tea; 1–3 g powder; per-label capsules/granules

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What Is Poria?

Poria is the compact, potato-like sclerotium formed around pine roots. In kitchens and clinics, it’s valued as a mild, food-like daily herb that blends easily into teas, congee, and soups. Because it’s neutral and gentle, it’s a staple in traditional formulas aimed at draining dampness, supporting digestion, and—especially in its Fu Shen form—calming the spirit.

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• Poria cocos is the classic name you’ll see on older labels; modern texts often use Wolfiporia extensa (same traditional material).

• Poria Parts:

  • Fu Ling — the main white sclerotium (general, daily use).

  • Fu Ling Pi — the outer peel (traditionally emphasizes promoting urination/surface fluids).

  • Fu Shen — poria with a pine-root core (traditionally chosen when gentle shen-calming is desired).

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Why People Use Poria (TCM + Modern View)

TCM Perspective

• Drains Dampness, Promotes Urination — for that “heavy,” puffy, or water-logged feeling (traditional language).

• Supports the Spleen/Stomach — neutral, bland, easy to digest.

• Calms the Spirit — Fu Shen form is traditionally selected when gentle calm and clarity are desired.

Modern View (Educational)

• Fluid balance & lightness as part of everyday wellness routines.

• Digestive comfort in soups, teas, and congee.

• Daytime calm without stimulation (especially with Fu Shen)

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How to Choose Quality Poria 

1. Correct Part on Label — Fu Ling (main body), Fu Ling Pi (peel), or Fu Shen (with pine root).

2. Cut & Cleanliness — uniform cubes/slices; light color; low moisture; no off odors.

3. Testing & Transparency — COA (identity, heavy metals, microbes) available; batch/lot tracking.

4. Manufacturing & Origin — GMP facility, country of origin disclosed, consistent specs for powders/capsules.

5. Packaging & Storage — moisture-barrier bags/jars; 

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Dosage & Timing 

General educational guidance only; not a substitute for medical advice.

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How to Use (Everyday)

• Tea/Decoction: Simmer the cut herb gently; strain and sip warm.

• Powder: Blend 1–3 g into broths or warm water; neutral flavor.

• Culinary: Add cubes to congee (rice porridge) or light soups for a food-like daily routine.

• Pairings: Coix seed (Yi Yi Ren), ginger, and jujube are popular companions.

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Recipes (How-To Friendly)

A) Light & Clear Poria Tea

Yield: 1 cup (240–300 ml) Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 5 g Poria cubes

• 1–2 slices fresh ginger

• 1 jujube (optional), sliced

• 10 oz water (≈300 ml)

Directions

1. Add Poria, ginger, and jujube to a small pot with the water.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer; cook 15–20 minutes.

3. Strain into a mug and sip warm.

Tips

• Mild flavor—add a squeeze of lemon or a splash of honey if desired.

• For a stronger brew, use 7–8 g Poria or simmer a few minutes longer.

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B) Poria Congee (Meal-Prep Friendly)

Yield: 2 servings Time: 40–50 minutes

Ingredients

• 30 g rice (about ¼ cup)

• 6 g Poria cubes

• 1–2 slices fresh ginger

• 2 cups water (≈480 ml)

• Pinch of salt or sliced scallion, to finish

Directions

1. Combine rice, Poria, ginger, and water in a pot.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until soft and porridge-like (≈40–50 minutes).

3. Remove ginger slices, season lightly with salt, and top with scallion.

Tips

• For creamier congee, add ½ cup (120 ml) more water and cook a little longer.

• Make ahead: cool, refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water.

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Comparison Grids

1) Poria Forms 

2) Poria vs. Close Partners

(Educational overview; consult a qualified practitioner for personalized guidance.)

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Storage & Freshness

• Keep dry, cool, and away from light; reseal quickly after opening.

• Powders benefit from a desiccant; avoid steamy kitchens.

• Use within the best-by window for optimal flavor and aroma.

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Research & Classics 

• Poria is a classic materia-medica ingredient in East Asian traditions for dampness, digestive harmony, and—via Fu Shen—calm spirit themes.

• Modern texts and reviews discuss Poria’s neutral, food-like profile and its common use in daily soups/porridges.

• Evidence summaries remain conservative; consumers choose Poria mainly for gentle, routine support.

(Educational context only; results vary by individual.)

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FAQs

Q: Which Poria part should I buy—Fu Ling, Fu Ling Pi, or Fu Shen?
A: Choose based on goal: Fu Ling (general/daily), Fu Ling Pi (surface fluids), Fu Shen (gentle calm). Your label should name the exact part.

Q: How does Poria taste and how often can I drink it?
A: Mild, slightly sweet/bland. Many people enjoy a cup daily as tea or add cubes to congee/soups.

Q: Can I combine Poria with Coix seed or Jujube?
A: Yes—those are classic companions for gentle, food-like routines.

Q: Who should be cautious?
A: Very dry constitutions or those with frequent urination may prefer modest amounts. If you are pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a condition, consult a qualified professional.

Q: Is this medical advice?
A: No—this content is educational and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Trust & Quality 

• Lab-tested | COA available | GMP manufacturing | Origin disclosed

• Correct part named (Fu Ling / Fu Ling Pi / Fu Shen)

• Clean cut quality and moisture-safe packaging

Related Links (Internal)

• How to Use Bulk Herbs

• 7 Common Mistakes with Chinese Herbs (and How to Fix Them)

Ready for a gentle daily routine?
Explore our lab-tested Poria—Fu Ling, Fu Ling Pi, and Fu Shen—in cubes, peel, and convenient powders/capsules. Transparent COA. GMP quality.

Shop Poria → See All Forms Below 

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This page is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting new herbs or supplements.

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Author & Editorial Policy

About 1st Chinese Herbs
Since 1994, we’ve provided carefully sourced, lab-tested herbs with consumer education that’s DSHEA-compliant and easy to use.

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References

Fu Ling Pi–specific (peel) evidence

• Diuretic activity (fraction study, rats): The epidermis (“Fu-Ling-Pi”) ethanol extract showed notable diuretic effects; petroleum ether/EtOAc/n-butanol fractions were evaluated vs. controls. PubMed

• Diuretic activity (ethanol vs. water extract): Ethanol extract of the epidermis was diuretic in vivo, while aqueous extract was not, helping explain traditional preparation choices. PubMed

• Urinary metabonomics (peel): Metabolomic profiling of Fu Ling Pi supports its traditional diuretic use and explores potential pathways tied to edema/urination. PubMed

Poria cocos (Fu Ling) — general pharmacology & context

• Comprehensive pharmacology review (triterpenoids, effects incl. diuretic/sedative): Summarizes chemistry and activities (incl. diuretic traditions). PubMed

• Pachymic acid (lanostane triterpenoid) — therapeutic profile: Modern review of pachymic acid (a signature Poria compound). PMC

• Polysaccharides overview (PCPs): 2024 review covering extraction, structure, and applications of Poria cocos polysaccharides. PMC