Poria and Poria cocos are two completely different kinds of Chinese medicine, with different sources, different effects and different contraindications. Poria is the dried mycelium of the fungus Poria, family Polyporaceae. It has the effects of diuresis and elimination of edema (facilitating urination, eliminating edema), seepage of dampness, strengthening the spleen, and tranquilizing the heart. Mainly used for treating edema, phlegm (pathological products formed by impaired water metabolism), diarrhea (diarrhea caused by a weak spleen), palpitations (rapid heartbeat, often accompanied by panic), insomnia. Poria is not to be combined with Ampelopsis, Dioscorea, Macrophyllum, Kamehameha, and Andrographis paniculata. Avoid vinegar and acidic foods; avoid scallions. Poria should be taken with caution for those with yin deficiency without dampness-heat, deficiency of cold and essence-slip, and qi deficiency and subsidence. Poria cocos is the dried tuber of light-leaved sarsaparilla of the genus Sarsaparilla of the lily family. It has the efficacy of detoxifying, removing dampness and facilitating joints. It is used for treating prune sores, contracture of limbs, gonorrhea (cloudy urine and leukorrhea), eczema itching, carbuncle, swelling and sores. Caution should be exercised if there is deficiency of yin in the liver and kidney (deficiency of yin fluid in the liver and kidney). Poria cocos and Poria cocos have different sources, effects and contraindications, and it is recommended to take them under the guidance of a professional doctor for evidence-based treatment, so as to avoid misunderstanding of the condition or adverse reactions.