TCMIO

Fu Ling in Traditional Chinese Medicine

茯苓fú líng

Fu Ling (Poria cocos), known in Chinese as 茯苓 is the sclerotium of Poria cocos (Polyporaceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal material with documented use in classical TCM texts.

This page presents its traditional TCM context, botanical identity, available evidence scope, and safety information — not as medical advice, but as an educational reference.

Traditional TCM ContextSafety information available

茯苓 (Poria cocos) - Public domain - Trappem at English Wikipedia.

Image details

License: Source: Sogou Baike (baike.sogou.com)

Attribution: Source: Sogou Baike — 茯苓

On this page

Key Facts

Material
Sclerotium
Botanical source
Poria cocos
Direct human evidence
No verified study currently linked

What Is Fu Ling?

Fu Ling (Poria cocos), known in Chinese as 茯苓 is the sclerotium of Poria cocos (Polyporaceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal material with documented use in classical TCM texts. In the traditional TCM framework, it is classified as neutral in nature and sweet, bland in flavor.

Strengthens the Spleen, promotes urination, leaches out Dampness, calms the Shen. Core Spleen-tonifying herb.[1]

Botanical description: Fu Ling is the dried sclerotium of the wood-rotting fungus Poria cocos (Polyporaceae), which grows around the roots of pine trees (primarily Pinus massoniana). The sclerotium is harvested from July to September, cleaned, repeatedly dried (traditionally by sweating and air-drying), and cut into cubes or slices. The dried sclerotium is white to pale pink internally with a faint odour and bland taste.

Traditional TCM Context

Nature: NeutralFlavor: Sweet, BlandMeridians: Heart, Spleen, Kidney

Traditional functions: Strengthens the Spleen, promotes urination, leaches out Dampness, calms the Shen. Core Spleen-tonifying herb.[1]

Traditional uses: Used for Spleen Deficiency with Dampness: loose stools, bloating, poor appetite, fatigue, edema. Key ingredient in Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.

Related TCM patterns

Spleen Qi Deficiency with Dampness脾虚湿盛Liver Qi Stagnation Invading the Spleen肝郁乘脾Spleen Qi Deficiency脾气虚

This description reflects traditional TCM theory and is not a modern medical diagnosis or treatment claim.

What Research Applies to Fu Ling?

Polysaccharides and triterpenoids show immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic effects. Pharmacological review confirms gastrointestinal protective effects and gut microbiome modulation.

No published research studies are currently linked to Fu Ling in this library.

Research information will be added as verified studies become available.

Safety Information

Safety Summary

What is known

Safety information should be considered in the context of the specific preparation, health conditions, and medicines being used. Mild diuretic effect. Use caution with electrolyte imbalances or concurrent diuretic medications.

What remains uncertain

  • Herb-specific clinical safety data (adverse events, toxicity, long-term use) are not available for review.
  • Drug-herb interaction data specific to Fu Ling may be lacking; most published interaction studies use extracts or isolated compounds.

Who should seek professional guidance

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those taking prescription medications, people managing chronic conditions, and anyone considering herbal products for children should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Fu Ling or any herbal product.

Platform safety boundary

TCMIO provides educational information only — not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. We do not provide dosage guidance, administration instructions, or individualized treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal product.

Safety during pregnancy, lactation, and pediatric use has not been systematically evaluated for Fu Ling as a medicinal material. For urgent or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Sources Used on This Page(2)

  1. 1.

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 Edition), Volume I. Beijing: China Medical Science Press; 2020.

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020
    Bibliographic details

    Supports: Botanical Identity, Traditional TCM Context, Traditional Functions

    Reliability: High

    Source type: Government Source

  2. 2.

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, 2020 Edition, Volume I. Beijing: China Medical Science Press; 2020. Monograph: Poria (Fu Ling).

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020
    Bibliographic details

    Reliability: gold

    Last checked: July 2026

    Source type: pharmacopoeia

Prepared by: TCMIO Editorial TeamLast updated: July 2, 2026Editorial PolicySafety Policy

Medical Disclaimer: The information on TCMIO is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal products, starting any new treatment, or making changes to your existing healthcare regimen. Do not stop or modify any prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.

If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or visiting the nearest emergency department.