Fu Shen is a traditional Chinese medicine derived from the plant Poria cocos. It has a sweet and mild taste and is known for its properties in promoting diuresis, strengthening the spleen, and calming the mind. It is used to treat conditions such as phlegm retention, edema, urinary difficulties, diarrhea, palpitations, and dizziness. It is found in various regions around the world.
1. "Compendium of Materia Medica": The "Shen Nong Ben Cao" first mentioned the use of Poria to stop speech, and the "Ming Yi Bie Lu" added the term Fu Shen, but both have the same therapeutic effects.
Later, Fu Shen became essential in treating heart diseases. Therefore, the ancient physician Jie Gu Zhang believed that wind dizziness and weak heart cannot be cured without Fu Shen, although Poria can also treat heart diseases.
2. "Annotations on the Classic of Materia Medica": Fu Shen grows around the heartwood, which distinguishes it from Poria.
According to the "Bie Lu," Fu Shen has a calming effect. In summary, its aroma and nature are the same as Poria. Poria is mostly used for spleen and kidney functions, while Fu Shen is mostly used for heart functions.
3. "Pharmaceutical Chemistry": Fu Shen is heavy, and its heaviness can eliminate timidity. It has a warm and tonifying nature, and its tonifying effect can eliminate weakness.
Dai Ren said that the heart is naturally hot, but it becomes cold when it is weak.
If there is weakness and timidity in the heart's qi, leading to palpitations, confusion, absent-mindedness, fatigue, and weakness, it is necessary to warm and nourish the heart and mind, and nothing else can do the job.
4. "Bie Lu": Fu Shen is used to treat wind dizziness, wind weakness, excessive labor, and dry mouth. It can stop palpitations, relieve irritability, and improve memory. It can also open the heart and enhance intelligence, nourish the spirit.
5. "Discussion on the Nature of Medicinal Substances": Fu Shen is used to treat epilepsy, calm the mind, nourish vitality, relieve fatigue, and treat severe pain and fullness in the lower heart, as well as intestinal obstruction.
6. "Newly Revised Materia Medica": It is used to treat heart weakness and shortness of breath, strengthen the spleen, and promote diuresis.
【Functions and Indications】Calms the mind and soothes the spirit. It is suitable for symptoms such as palpitations, insomnia, and forgetfulness.
【Medicinal Material】The dried fruiting body has a similar appearance to Poria, but with a pine root passing through the middle.
The commercial product is often cut into thin square slices, solid in texture, with a powdery surface. The cut pine root is brownish-yellow with circular patterns (annual rings).
The thicker and smaller the pine root, the better the quality.
