Poria

This remarkable underground mushroom has been revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years, earning its place as one of the most treasured fungi in ancient healing practices. Growing like a coconut beneath pine trees, Poria (Poria cocos) forms distinctive sclerotia - hard, woody masses that can reach the size of a football and live symbiotically with pine tree roots. Historically, this mushroom was so highly valued that it was once used as currency in certain regions of China, with premium specimens commanding prices higher than gold. The ancient Chinese called it “Fu Ling,” meaning “hidden spirit,” believing it contained the concentrated essence of the earth and trees.

What makes Poria truly fascinating is its unique growing pattern and incredible longevity - some specimens can live for decades underground, slowly accumulating medicinal compounds. Unlike many mushrooms that fruit above ground, Poria remains completely hidden, which led ancient herbalists to believe it possessed secret wisdom from the earth itself.

My favorite thing about Poria is how it specifically supports women’s health issues that Western medicine often overlooks, particularly hormonal imbalances, water retention, and digestive concerns that disproportionately affect women. Modern research has validated many traditional uses, showing that Poria contains powerful beta-glucans and triterpenes that support immune function, reduce inflammation, and help regulate fluid balance in the body.

Traditional practitioners often prescribed it for “calming the spirit” and improving sleep quality, benefits that contemporary studies suggest may be linked to its ability to modulate stress hormones and support the nervous system.

LIVER LUXURY TREATMENT – Hepato-protective compounds that support your hardest working organ (especially after wine nights)

INFLAMMATION INTERCEPTOR – Cools the internal fires that cause premature aging and disease

OXIDATIVE STRESS SLAYER – Neutralizes free radicals faster than you shut down unwanted advances

DIABETES DEFENDER – Helps maintain healthy blood sugar without giving up your chocolate stash

NERVOUS SYSTEM NOURISHER – Supports myelin sheath repair for optimal brain-body communication

CELLULAR GUARDIAN – Provides defense against abnormal cell growth, particularly in the gallbladder

WATER RETENTION REMEDY – Traditional remedy for “that bloated feeling” when your rings suddenly don’t fit

HORMONAL HARMONY – Supports your endocrine system through the perimenopausal rollercoaster

DIGESTIVE PEACE KEEPER – Calms your stomach when it wants to act up at the worst possible times