Poria
Source
The scierotium of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf; family Polyporaceae.
Characteristics
The sample appearing as irregular large masses with a dark brown 
cortex,
varying in size; the surface of broken fragments granular, reddish in
the outer portion and white in the middle. Prepared as rectangular or
square pieces or slices which are white, fine and smooth. Cortex with
dark brown outer surface and white to brownish inner surface. Soft and
elastic in texture. Sweet and bland in taste, mild in nature, and attributive
to spleen, heart, lung and urinary bladder channels.
Indication
1. Promote diuresis to eliminate dampness from the lower-jiao, invigorate
the spleen and the middle-jiao: For dampness-retention syndrome with or
without spleen-deficiency such as edema, dysuria, leucorrhagia, cough
of phlegm-retention type, and dizziness, usually used together with Rhizoma
Alismatis, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocepha&ze, Polyporus Umbeikztus, and
Ramulus Cinnamomi; for diarrhea of dampness type due to spleen-deficiency,
used together with Atractylodis Macrocephalae, 
Semen
Cbicis, etc.; for jaundice due to the excess of dampness, used together
with Herba Artemisiae Scopariae and Alismaris.
2.Tranquilize the mind: For deficiency of the heart and spleen of phlegmretention
manifested as palpitation and insomnia. In addition, single use is effective
for chronic schizophrenia.
Pharmacological
Action
1. An active component pachyman promotes macrophage phagocytosis in mice,
and enhances lymphocyte-blastogensis rate in vitro.
2. Preventing the formation of gastric ulcer under stress in rats.
3. Diuretic and liver-protective.
Administration Decoction: 10-20g.