What are the differences between Poria cocos and wild Poria cocos?

Poria cocos and wild yam are only one character different and look very similar, but they are actually two different things. The functions of the two are completely different. I will briefly introduce them here. First of all, Poria cocos is a medicine that can help calm the nerves and strengthen the spleen. Poria cocos is sweet, mild and flat in nature. It is a medicine for clearing away heat and detoxifying, and is effective for many diseases. Poria cocos can often be seen in prescriptions for strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi. And the taste of Poria cocos is also light.

Wild Smilax is a medicine for clearing heat and drying dampness, while Poria is a medicine for promoting diuresis and eliminating dampness. There is a big difference between Poria and Wild Smilax.

Smilax glabra is mild in nature and sweet in taste. It enters the liver and stomach meridians and has the effects of detoxification, removal of dampness, and benefiting joints. Western medicine believes that Smilax glabra is a strong immunosuppressant and the best Chinese medicine for treating oral and genital ulcers caused by immune diseases. Smilax glabra is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Behcet's arthritis, gouty arthritis, etc., and is used together with brocade root, mountain rhubarb root, Cynanchum wilfordii, and red vine. Wild yam is also effective for allergic dermatitis, pemphigus, eczema and other immune diseases.

Poria is a diuretic and dampness-removing medicine. It can also strengthen the spleen and calm the mind. It is sweet, mild and flat in nature, and enters the heart, spleen and kidney meridians. The usual dosage is 10-30 grams. Smilax glabra is a heat-clearing and detoxifying medicine that can remove dampness and benefit joints. It is sweet, mild and flat in nature and enters the liver and stomach meridians. The usual dosage is 15-60 grams.

Wild yam is a bitter medicine in taste, which cannot be confused with Poria cocos. Wild yam is often used to treat genital ulcers or immune diseases. Some doctors also use wild yam to treat various arthritis, such as gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc., and the therapeutic effect is also very good.