What are the differences between Poria cocos and wild Poria cocos

Some people may confuse Poria cocos and Smilax glabra because of the similarity of the two names. In fact, the functions of the two are different. Poria cocos is a fungus, while Smilax glabra is a shrub. Poria cocos can also be used as a therapeutic food ingredient. Eating it can help digestion, strengthen the body, invigorate the spleen and remove dampness, calm the mind and invigorate qi, and act as a diuretic, etc. However, wild yam can help people strengthen their muscles and bones, and strengthen their spleen and stomach. So the effects of these two are different, don't confuse them.

What does Poria cocos look like. Half of the "Biographies of Immortals" from the Jin Dynasty said that "the essence of old pine turns into Poria cocos." This statement is too mythical, but it emphasizes that Poria cocos has great medicinal value. Poria cocos is a fungus that grows beneath the roots of pine trees. Poria cocos looks like a sweet potato, but is red or white inside. "Compendium of Materia Medica" believes that the larger and harder the Poria cocos is, the best Poria cocos.

The appearance of wild yam. Smilax glabra is an evergreen perennial shrub with leaves similar to willow branches, only slightly larger. Generally, the wild yam that is dug out in summer or autumn has purer medicinal properties. There are two types of wild yam, red yam and white yam. The roots of white yam are yellowish-brown after washing and have the best medicinal properties; the roots of red yam are purple-red and also have better pharmacological effects.

Poria cocos can also help increase the body's immunity and protect the liver. Nowadays, many people sometimes add some Poria cocos to their daily diet, and also do some special diet therapy to help treat diseases or strengthen the body. However, wild yam cannot be eaten casually. It needs to be eaten under the guidance of a doctor to avoid causing harm to the human body.