Polyporus

Other Names of Polyporus: Zhu ling and grifola

Useful Parts of the Plant: Typically the useful part of the polyporus is the body of this mushroom that is also used for various medicinal properties.

Polyporus is basically a golden brown, large mushroom that is found growing on as well as around trees in wooded areas. The polyporus is recognized by its large saddle shaped body with large pores and a white underside. Polyporus is known to have a slightly sweet or bland taste. Polyporus belongs to the same family of herbs as shiitake mushrooms and poria fungus. With regards to its appearance , polyporus appears to be fanlike and bulbous and is found to grow in large numbers in moist climates and dense woodlands. Typically this mushroom is found in abundance in many parts of Western Europe as well as the Rocky mountains of the United States. Polyporus is commercially found in a powdered or raw form in any health food store or even with Chinese medical practitioners.

Nutritional Information and Properties

With regards to the nutritional information of polyporus it is known to be rich a in a variety of vitamins and minerals such as retinol, riboflavin and thiamine. Polyporus is also known to have diuretic properties and is consumed to promote overall good health and longevity. Polyporus and other wild mushrooms are known to be a very good source of some essential micro nutrients as well as antioxidants. Polyporus is known to be a rich source of certain minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron and potassium.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses

On account of its diuretic properties, polyporus is used to get rid of the toxins that are responsible for causing infections in the urinary tract and is also found to be very effective against urethral blockages.
Polyporus health benefits also extend to it being used to treat diarrhea as it tends to absorb the excessive moisture that may have accumulated in the gut and thereby allow for hardening of the stool.
In some cases, polyporus is administered to pregnant women as well in small quantities in case of dribbling or urinary incontinence.
The Polyporus mushroom is also known to provide relief from edema or swelling of the feet by allowing the excess water to be flushed out via urine.
Polyporus is also used in to promote and improve the functioning of the kidneys and this mushroom is also effective in providing lymphatic support.
Some herbalists also recommend polyporus for maintaining overall good joint health.
Regular consumption of polyporus in recommended doses is also known to strengthen one's immune system thereby allowing the body to fight of infections.
Polyporus is also known to have anti-cancer properties as it tends to inhibit tumor growth.
Research has also shown that the diuretic properties of polyporus are effective even in serious medical conditions such as kidney stones and nephritis.
Many times the effect of an infectious disease or a low protein diet is known to result in accumulation of fluid in the belly, legs or any other part of the body. Nowadays, herbalists recommend a specific dosage of polyporus to handle such cases.
Polyporus is known to positively affect the balance of sodium and potassium in the body and this property coupled with its diuretic abilities is known to help in protecting the kidneys as well as reduce hypertension.

Like any other herbal medication, before consuming polyporus it is always advisable to consult your doctor, although polyporus is not known to have any drug interactions. Polyporus should also not be consumed by those who suffer from an acute illness.