Poria cocos is a superior herb recorded in the *Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing* (Shen Nong's Herbal Classic), known for its ability to strengthen the spleen, eliminate dampness, whiten the skin, and nourish the hair, hence its reputation as a "miracle medicine for all seasons."
Superior grade refers to the best quality, and long-term consumption has the effect of regulating the mind and dispelling evil while supporting the body's vital energy.
*Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing*: The one hundred and twenty superior herbs are considered the sovereign herbs, primarily for nourishing life in accordance with heaven, non-toxic, and safe for frequent and long-term use. Those who wish to lighten the body, increase vital energy, and achieve longevity should refer to this classic.
1. Skin Whitening and Beauty
If you are troubled by yellowing skin, excessive dampness, hair loss, etc., it is recommended to take Poria cocos regularly. If you don't know how to use it, you can refer to the dietary therapy recipes recommended by Health Jun.
*Dream of the Red Chamber* records that taking 20 grams of Poria cocos powder every morning with milk or boiling water can whiten and beautify the skin.
This is indeed reasonable. Poria cocos can regulate the yellowing and dullness of the face caused by spleen deficiency and blood deficiency, and regular consumption can replenish qi and calm the mind, leading to better sleep and less anxiety, naturally resulting in a more beautiful appearance.
However, Poria cocos powder is not soluble in water, and it tends to become pasty when mixed with milk or boiling water. It's important to consume all the powder to get the full benefits.
If you don't like the pasty texture, you can add the same amount (20g) of Poria cocos powder when cooking porridge. This ensures precise delivery to the spleen and is more convenient.
Female friends can often eat this porridge or drink Poria cocos milk!
2. Nourishing the Body and Darkening Hair
Empress Dowager Cixi often used Poria cocos medicinal dishes such as Poria cocos cakes and Eight Treasures Cake for health and longevity.
Nowadays, the pace of work is fast, and mental stress is common, leading to hair loss. If you can't get enough sleep, why not try some nourishing dietary therapy recipes?
Poria Cocos Cake
Ingredients: 50g Poria cocos, 450g flour, a little baking powder.
Preparation: Dry the Poria cocos and grind it into powder. Mix with flour and add baking powder. Knead with water to form a dough and let it ferment; cut into square cakes and steam over high heat. Take Poria cocos cakes after breakfast every day, once a day (2-3 pieces are sufficient). Taking them for one month (one cycle) can improve hair loss caused by stress, relieve mental stress, and prevent premature graying of hair.
If you don't like this pastry, you can add 10-20g of Poria cocos powder when cooking rice. Taking it regularly also has the effect of nourishing hair, reducing hair loss, and calming the nerves.
3. Strengthening the Spleen and Eliminating Dampness
Dampness and toxins can affect the spleen, and gastrointestinal problems are common in autumn and winter.
By addressing the root cause of strengthening the spleen and eliminating phlegm, and promptly promoting diuresis and eliminating dampness, the body will have fewer minor problems related to spleen and stomach weakness.
Winter Melon and Poria Cocos Dampness-Removing Soup
Ingredients: 200g pork bones, winter melon (with peel), barley, Poria cocos, red dates, goji berries, and ginger slices (appropriate amounts of each).
Preparation: Blanch the pork bones and rinse them. Add barley, Poria cocos, red dates, and ginger slices and simmer together. Once all ingredients are cooked through, add the winter melon and cook for half an hour, then season to taste.
This soup is recommended for those who easily experience constipation and bad breath, especially those with excessive dampness and edema-type obesity.
By expelling "bad water" from the body, the nutrients consumed will not generate phlegm and dampness, thus improving health.
