What are the benefits and effects of Poria? A detailed explanation
1. Diuresis and blood pressure reduction
The medicinal nature of Poria is very mild, and it has good effects for people whose urination is not very smooth. If the body tends toward cold-dampness, it can be taken together with Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala) and Guizhi (cassia twig). If the body tends toward damp-heat, it can be used together with Zexie (Alisma orientale) and Zhuling (Polyporus umbellatus). If there is spleen qi deficiency, it can be used together with Huangqi (Astragalus) and Dangshen (Codonopsis). It not only promotes urination, but also has relatively good effects for people with high blood sugar.
2. Antibacterial and anti-cancer
Poria has a good inhibitory effect on many kinds of bacteria, such as Proteus and Staphylococcus. In addition to its antibacterial effects, Poria also has anti-cancer ability, such as against the common nasopharyngeal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and so on.
3. Immune enhancement
Poria can increase the activity of various cells, such as T lymphocytes and phagocytes in the blood. In addition, the special substances contained in Poria can enhance antibody secretion and the number of cells that bind with antigens. Therefore, it can strengthen the body's immunity.
4. Sedative effect
Poria has a certain calming effect on the nervous system, which may be related to hindering the decomposition and excretion of pentobarbital, or may be related to its effect of inhibiting the central nervous system. Used together with sodium pentobarbital, it can prolong the duration of anesthesia.
5. Relieving cough and phlegm
For people with a relatively weak spleen, Poria can treat phlegm disorders. When using it, it can be combined with Chenpi (dried tangerine peel) and Banxia (Pinellia ternata), or it can be combined with Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala) and Guizhi (cassia twig).
6. Anti-tumor effect
The polysaccharides contained in Poria have already achieved experimental success in animals, proving that it has a very good anti-tumor effect, and it also has a certain therapeutic effect on thymus atrophy and spleen enlargement.