Fú Líng · Poria mushroom
Fú Líng (茯苓, Poria mushroom) is a herb of Neutral nature and Sweet flavor, in the “Dampness Draining” category. Tradition uses it to drain Dampness, Strengthen Spleen, Calm Spirit.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Fú Líng
- Characters
- 茯苓
- Botanical name
- Wolfiporia extensa (Peck) Ginns
- Family
- Polyporaceae
- Part used
- Sclerotium
- Nature
- Neutral
- Flavor
- Sweet
- Meridians
- Heart, Kidney, Lung, Spleen
- Category
- Dampness Draining
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- No contraindication described (always consult)
- Origin
- China, Japan, Korea
Actions according to tradition
- Drain Dampness
- Strengthen Spleen
- Calm Spirit
- Promote Urination
Traditional uses
- Edema and fluid retention
- Insomnia with palpitations
- Chronic diarrhea
- Leukorrhea
- Damp-phlegm conditions
Studied effects and current applications
- Diuretic
- Reduces edema
- Calms mind
- Supports digestion
- Immunomodulating
Applications under investigation
- Anxiety and sleep disorders
- Urinary tract health
- Cardiovascular support
- Immune modulation
- Gynecological conditions
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- None known
Relative contraindications
- Frequent urination
- Kidney Yin deficiency
- Pregnancy
- Traditionally used during pregnancy for edema.
- Breastfeeding
- Safe during breastfeeding.
- Children
- Safe for children.
- Older adults
- Beneficial, supports urinary health.
Possible adverse effects
- Increased urination
- Rare allergic reactions
When to stop
- Excessive urination
- Allergic reaction
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diuretics | Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide | Moderate | Additive diuretic effect Monitor fluid and electrolytes |
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 10-15 grams daily
- Powder
- 3-6 grams daily
- Extract
- As per label
- Tincture
- 2-4 ml (1:5) 2-3 times daily
- Acute use
- 1-2 weeks
- Chronic use
- 1-3 months
- Maximum
- Long-term generally safe
- Children
- Safe for children.
Forms of preparation
Soak briefly, simmer 10-15g for 30 min.
Traditional preparation
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Beta-glucans (pachiman, beta-pachiman) and triterpenic acids (pachemical acids)
Beta-glucan polysaccharide · Immunomodulator, anxiolytic, antitumor
Dectin-1 receptor binding, NK and macrophage activation; HPA axis modulation · 70-90% of the dry mass
Lanostanic triterpene acids · Anti-inflammatory, diuretic, hepatoprotective
COX-2 inhibition, aldosterone synthase inhibition · 0.1-0.5%
Lanostane triterpene · Antidiabetic, hypolipidemic
PPAR-α/γ activation, lipogenesis reduction · Traces
fungal steroid · Vitamin D2 precursor, immunomodulator
Vitamin D receptor activation, immune modulation · 0.01-0.1%
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- July-September, 3-4 years after mycelium inoculation on pine logs
Sclerotum excavated by hand from the ground around pine logs. The soil is cleaned, sorted by size and processed according to type: Whole Fu Ling (茯苓), Fu Ling Pian (slices), Fu Shen (with inner wood), Fu Ling Pi (bark).
Fresh sclerot buried in covered piles for 3-5 days to 'sweat' and soften, then peeled, cut into slices or cubes and dried slowly in the shade. Rapid drying in the sun produces cracks.
Dark outer bark separated during peeling, washed and dried. It has a more strongly diuretic action than the interior meat.
Part of the sclerot surrounding the central pine root. It is separated and processed the same as the main meat. It has a more pronounced action on the Shen.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
