Poria has the effect of inducing diuresis and seepage of dampness (promoting the flow of water to dispel dampness), strengthening the spleen, etc. Hawthorn has the effect of eliminating food and strengthening the stomach, promoting the flow of Qi and dispersing blood stasis. Therefore, Poria and hawthorn together in water also have the effects of diuresis, strengthening the spleen, eliminating food, promoting circulation of Qi and dispersing blood stasis, but the effects are weaker.
Poria is the dried fungus of Poria cocos of Poriaceae family, it has the efficacy of inducing water seepage and dampness, strengthening the spleen and tranquilizing the heart, it can be used for the treatment or improvement of oedema and urination, phlegm-drinking and vertigo palpitations (vertigo and palpitations due to phlegm-drinking and evil qi upstream), spleen deficiency and poor food, loose stools and diarrhea, as well as restlessness of the heart and mind.
Hawthorn is the ripe fruit of Shanlihong or Shanzha, a plant of the Rosaceae family. It has the effects of eliminating food and strengthening the stomach, promoting circulation of qi and dispersing blood stasis, resolving turbidity and lowering lipids (cleansing the body of impurities and reducing excess fat in the body).
It can be used to treat or improve the treatment of meat and food stagnation, stomach and epigastric distension, diarrhea and dysentery, abdominal pain, blood stasis and menstrual closure as well as postpartum stagnation, etc. However, it should be used with caution by people with weak spleen and stomach without stagnation as well as those who have excessive secretion of gastric acid.
Generally speaking, Poria and Hawthorn infused water also has certain effects of Poria and Hawthorn as mentioned above. However, the leachate of Chinese herbs in water is less, so the efficacy is weaker and it is difficult to replace the medicine to cure the disease. In addition, the use of Chinese herbs alone or in combination should be carried out under the guidance of the doctor’s diagnosis, do not blindly use Chinese herbs without authorization, in order to avoid damage to the organism.