Herbal Information for Poria Spirit in Cut / Sliced Form
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Fu Shen refers to a specific part of the Poria fungus, which is used distinctively from the main body known as Fu Ling. Fu Shen specifically represents the part of Poria that grows around the roots of pine trees, incorporating parts of the host root, which is believed to have unique medicinal properties.
The term "spirit" associated with Fu Shen suggests a focus on the herb's reputed effects on mental and emotional health. In TCM, Fu Shen is particularly valued for its calming properties and its ability to stabilize emotions. It is often used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness by helping to "calm the spirit" (An Shen). The idea is that Fu Shen can help balance the heart and mind, improving mental health and emotional well-being.
Additionally, like Fu Ling, Fu Shen is thought to support spleen health, which in TCM is crucial for overall vitality and digestion. It helps in managing water balance and reducing dampness in the body, which can contribute to clearer thinking and better digestive health.
Thus, Fu Shen is considered a powerful tool in the TCM pharmacopeia for addressing both physical and emotional health, enhancing overall well-being through its "spirit" calming properties.
What Is The Difference Between Fu Shen and Fu Ling?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), both Fu Shen and Fu Ling are derived from the same source—the Poria mushroom (Wolfiporia extensa)—but they refer to different parts of the fungus and are used for slightly different purposes.
Fu Ling:
- Fu Ling refers to the main body of the Poria fungus, specifically the sclerotium, which is the thick, underground part.
- It is primarily used for its diuretic properties, helping to eliminate dampness from the body. Fu Ling is also believed to support spleen health, which is vital for digestion and overall energy.
- It's commonly used to address issues related to water retention, swelling, and digestive problems.
Fu Shen:
- Fu Shen refers to the part of the Poria that grows around the root of the pine tree, incorporating some of the host tree's root. This makes Fu Shen richer in certain compounds compared to the rest of the fungus.
- It is particularly valued for its calming effects on the mind and is used to treat psychological issues such as anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness.
- Fu Shen is often described as having a more targeted action in "calming the spirit" or stabilizing emotions, which is why it is considered to have special significance in treatments focusing on mental and emotional health.
The distinction lies in their specific applications and the parts of the fungus used. While Fu Ling is more focused on physical ailments related to dampness and digestion, Fu Shen is used for its impact on emotional and mental health, reflecting the holistic approach of TCM in treating the mind and body.
How To Use Fu Shen
Fu Shen, derived from the Poria fungus and specifically used for its calming properties in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), can be incorporated into your wellness routine in various ways. Here’s how to prepare and use Fu Shen effectively:
1. Decoction (Herbal Tea)
- Preparation: To make a decoction, start with about 3 to 9 grams of dried Fu Shen. This dosage can vary based on the specific needs and advice of a TCM practitioner.
- Brewing: Place the Fu Shen in a pot with several cups of water (about one cup of water for every gram of Fu Shen). Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30 to 60 minutes. The longer you simmer, the stronger the decoction will be.
- Consumption: Drink the tea once or twice daily, depending on the advice given by your healthcare provider or TCM practitioner.
2. Combine with Other Herbs
- Herbal Formulas: Fu Shen is often used in combination with other herbs to enhance its effects on calming the mind and improving sleep. It may be mixed with herbs like Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus jujuba) or Bai Zi Ren (Biota seed) to create a formula that addresses specific concerns like insomnia or anxiety.
Common Name: Poria Spirit
Botanical Name: Poria cocos; Sclerotium
Meridians / Channels: Spleen, Heart, Lung
Pin Yin Name: Fu Shen
Other Names: Hoelen Fungus Spirit, Tuckahoe
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 500 Grams ( 1.1 pounds)
Form: Cut / Sliced - sizes vary
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower, species - authenticated herbs
Product Properties: Sweet, Bland, Neutral
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Should not be used in case of deficiency-cold induced spermatorrhea.
Naturally Occurring Components: Fatty acid: caprylic acid, undecanoic acid, b-pachyman, b-pachymanase, ergosterol, gum, histadine, choline, chitin, protein, fats, glucose, sterols, histamines, lecithin, lipase, choline, adenine.
Summary of Fu Shen
- Fu Shen, is a Traditional Chinese Medicinal Herb, which has been used in the southern regions of China for centuries. It is dug up and harest in the months of July through September, once it is fully matured.
- Eliminates Dampness
- Promotes Healthy Joint Function
This mushroom contain the root of the tree, usually a pine tree which it as grown on. Fu Shen is noted for calming the shen. This fungus produces underground mycelial "tubers" of concentrated tissue, called sclerotia, associated with fir tree roots. In Chinese medicine, it is one of the most widely used and highly respected herbs as well as a popular food--the superb yin tonic. It is said that it "restores and refreshes the body and mind." Hoelen is used to soak up excess moisture and improve spleen function; it is also favored as a sedative and when used regularly will prolong life."
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
- How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes
- How to make a citrus facial splash
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About Plum Flower Quality Herbs
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
Main Characteristics (Attributes) of Herbs
- Harvested at the proper level of maturity and correct time of the season to maximize potency.
- Free from Chlorine
- Manufactured without the use of sulphur
- Preservative Free
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results
- Aluminum Phosphate free
- Packaged in an airtight sealed bag
- Pin Yin Names and Botanical Names are listed on the bag
- Certificate of Analysis are available upon request
- Conforms to Standards of Chinese Pharmacopeia
- No dyes, colors, or bleaching of the herbs
- We are a authorized direct distributor of Plum Flower Herbs.
- 500 gram bag size which equal anywhere from 4 to 6 cups of herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as a supplementary aspect to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony, and balance.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35570344/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2005290112002051
https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/fu-shen
