Poria cocos was called a "e;magic medicine in the four seasons"e; by the ancient people. The book introduces its special active ingredients and health care functions -removing dampness and promoting urination, nourishing spleen and stomach, and tranquilizing nerves. It can mainly treat swelling, difficulty of urination, diarrhea due to hypo-function of the spleen, phlegm and cough, less food intake and palpitation, insomnia and forgetfulness, nocturnal emission and nebulous urine.Modern medical research shows that Poria cocos contains a large number of polysaccharides that can easily be absorbed by the human body. It has the functions of nourishing the spleen and stomach for people with chronic weakness, loss of appetite or fatigue, diarrhea and qi deficiency. It also has regulatory effects on the immune system and cardiovascular system.In addition, Poria has also the following effects: diuresis, sedation, anti-tumor, anti-cancer, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. The book also introduces the methods of identifying good Poria cocos, its application in the kitchen, preservation and eating taboos, etc.; in particular, it emphasizes on more than 130 ways of eating for households.
