Poria mushroom (Poria cocos, also known as Fu Ling) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is commonly prescribed as part of herbal formulas to support recovery during convalescence, especially after illness or physical weakness. In TCM, Poria is valued for its ability to "strengthen the spleen," promote urination (thereby eliminating dampness), and calm the mind. These actions are thought to help restore strength and overall vitality in individuals who are recovering from prolonged illness, fatigue, or surgery.

While there is a robust tradition supporting the use of Poria in this context, modern scientific research specifically investigating its effects on convalescence is limited. Some laboratory and animal studies indicate that Poria may have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which could theoretically be beneficial during recovery. However, direct clinical evidence in humans for its efficacy in supporting convalescence is lacking. As a result, its use in this context remains primarily justified by traditional practice rather than strong scientific validation.

In summary, Poria mushroom is widely used in traditional herbal medicine to aid in convalescence, but evidence from controlled clinical trials is sparse. Users should be aware that the tradition is much stronger than the scientific support for this application.