Polyporaceae
Poria Mushroom
Wolfiporia extensa
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: China, Japan, North America (underground)
Also known as: Fu Ling, Tuckahoe, Indian Bread, China Root, Hoelen
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Parts Used
Sclerotium
Therapeutic Uses
Anxiety and insomnia (calming shen), immune modulation, cancer adjunct, digestive weakness, edema. Most widely used TCM fungal medicine — appears in thousands of classical formulas.
Herbal Actions
Immunomodulator, adaptogen, sedative, digestive tonic, diuretic (mild), anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor (polysaccharides)
Active Constituents
Beta-glucans (pachyman — primary, 93% of dry weight), triterpenoids (pachymic acid, tumulosic acid), ergosterol, proteins
Preparation Methods
🍵 Decoction💊 CapsulePowder
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 9–15g dried sclerotium powder simmered 30 min in 500ml, 2x daily |
| Tincture | Polysaccharide extract: 1–3g daily. Whole powder: 2–4g daily. |
| Notes | Grows underground around pine roots. White inner part (Bai Fuling) most sedative. Pink/orange outer skin (Chifupsoria): more immunomodulatory. Hot water extraction for polysaccharides. Classic in Eight Treasure Congee. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Caution with diuretics. Caution with antidiabetics. Otherwise very safe even in pregnancy.
Side Effects: GI discomfort. Very well tolerated. One of safest medicinal fungi.