Poria has the efficacy of inducing diuresis and seepage of dampness (promoting the flow of water to get rid of dampness), strengthening the spleen and nourishing the heart, and has the effect of treating edema, spleen deficiency, phlegm and drink (pathological products formed by the impaired metabolism of water) and other diseases.
Poria is flat in nature, sweet and light in taste, and belongs to the heart, lung, spleen and kidney meridians. It is often used in the treatment of edema, dysuria (unruly urination), phlegm and coughing, stomachache due to deficiency of the spleen, abdominal pain, diarrhea, palpitations, amnesia and other diseases.
For people with weak spleen and stomach, loose food (thin and unformed feces), and limb weakness, Poria can be used with Codonopsis, Atractylodes Macrocephalae, and Glycyrrhiza Uralensis. For people with spleen deficiency and cough with phlegm, Poria can be used with Chen Pi, Pinellia, Radix et Rhizoma Pinelliae and Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae.
The adverse effects and contraindications of Poria are not clear, and medical advice should be followed if use is needed.