Spirit Poria Mushroom - Fu Shen
Products Featuring This Herb:
Spirit Poria Extract Powder
Ginseng & Zizyphus
Lights Out
Pearl Shen
Supreme Shen Drops
Will Power
Other Common Names
Spirit Poria
Page # In Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs
208
Latin Name
Sclerotium Poriae Cocos Pararadicis
Pinyin
Fu Shen
Treasures
Shen and Qi
Treasure Rating
****1/2
Atmospheric Energy
Neutral
Taste
Bland or very mildly sweet
Organ Meridian Systems
Heart, Spleen and Kidney
Part Used and Form
Whole fungus with host wood
Primary Functions
To stabilize and lift Shen, to help develop spirit and calm the mind, emotionally balancing. To strengthen the Spleen and transform dampness, to move water and to tonify the immune functions as regular Poria does
Qualities
This special variety of Poria is considered a premium Shen tonic herb. It is the part of the Poria mushroom which contains the root of the old pine tree upon which it has grown. Spirit Poria is said to benefit the heart, to nourish the Shen and to lead to a long and happy life. It is often used by those wishing to overcome anxiety, worry, fear, etc.
It is primarily the same herb as Poria, except that it is the center of the mushroom, where the host wood root runs. The pine root is allowed to remain and represents about 20% of each slice of Spirit Poria. The chemistry and the energy of the wood has been changed by the mushroom and is no longer simply pine root. It was used by Taoists and has been held in the highest esteem by spiritual seekers. It is believed by the Taoists to have a very special power to lift Shen and to help develop the Shen. It is one of the major Shen tonic and Shen stabilizing substances and has acquired a special reputation for its overall emotional balancing benefits. By stabilizing the emotions, the true mind is able to develop fully, unhindered by emotional distraction. Unlike Biota and Zizyphus, it is drying and can be used by people who suffer from fluid stagnation. Besides these Shen actions, Spirit Poria still has the same actions as regular Poria with regard to its ability to move water and tonify the immune functions.
Primary Combinations
Combine with:
- Zizyphus Seed, Albizia Bark, Biota Seed, Polygonum Stem, Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell to stabilize Shen and treat insomnia caused by anxiety
- Ganoderma, Pearl, Wild Red Asparagus Root and Albizia Flower to nurture Shen
Varieties and Grading
Select Poria that has substantial pieces of wood still in it. Try to find large, white pieces with nice pieces of wood. The best Spirit Poria is still slightly moist — or at least, not very dry and brittle.
Contraindications
Poria is a very safe herb.
