Fu Shen
StarWolfiporia cocos (F.A.Wolf) Ryvarden & Gilb.
☯ TCM Properties
Calms the Heart and Quiets the Spirit; Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness; Strengthens the Spleen
Traditional Chinese Uses
Fu Shen (poria with pine root, spirit-calming poria) is the portion of the fu ling (poria mushroom) that grows around a pine root, and is used in Chinese medicine specifically for calming the Heart-Shen. While regular Fu Ling broadly tonifies the Spleen and drains Dampness, Fu Shen has a stronger Spirit-calming focus and is preferred in formulas specifically targeting insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, and forgetfulness from Heart Qi and Blood deficiency.
Western Herbalism Properties
Used In Formulas (2)
Botanical Description
Wolfiporia cocos (synonym Poria cocos) is a wood-decay polypore fungus in the family Polyporaceae, distributed across temperate forests of East Asia and North America, where it parasitizes and saprophytically colonizes the roots of pines (Pinus spp.). The fungus forms large, irregularly subterranean sclerotia attached to or surrounding decayed pine roots; these sclerotia are dense, rounded to elongated masses 10-30 cm or more across, with a thin, wrinkled, dark-brown outer rind and a firm, white to pinkish, somewhat starchy interior. Above-ground basidiocarps are rarely seen, appearing as resupinate, pale, poroid crusts on infected wood. Fu Shen refers specifically to sclerotia harvested with the embedded pine root core intact, which is regarded as guiding the medicine to the heart.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | — | — | — |
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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