phục linh
Definition
- Noun:
- Poria cocos (Wolfiporia extensa): A type of medicinal fungus that forms a sclerotium (a hard, compact mass of fungal tissue), used in traditional medicine. It is often found growing on the roots of pine trees.
- Tuckahoe: A common English name for this fungus, particularly in North American contexts.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Phục linh là một vị thuốc quý trong Đông y. (Poria cocos is a precious medicinal ingredient in traditional Eastern medicine.)
- Các bác sĩ kê đơn có phục linh để an thần. (Doctors prescribe formulas containing poria to calm the nerves.)
Advanced Usage
- In traditional medicine systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Vietnamese Thuốc Nam, "phục linh" is classified as a herb that promotes diuresis (increases urination), eliminates dampness, and strengthens the spleen.
- It is often processed and sold in sliced or powdered form.
Variants and Related Words
- Bạch phục linh (n): Refers to the white inner part of the poria sclerotium, considered the highest quality.
- Xích phục linh (n): Refers to the reddish-brown outer skin of the poria sclerotium, with slightly different medicinal properties.
- Phục thần (n): A related medicinal substance, which is the portion of the fungus growing around the pine root, often used for calming effects.
Synonyms
- Poria: The most common English term in medicinal contexts.
- Hoelen: Another name used in herbalism.
- China root: A historical, but less precise, synonym.
Related Concepts
- Medicinal Fungus: "Phục linh" belongs to this broader category, which includes other fungi like (reishi).
- Sclerotium: The technical term for the compact, tuber-like form in which this fungus is harvested and used.