- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Found worldwide; in Chinese medicine mainly from China
- Other names
- Eikhaas
Asia · Mushroom · № 701
Polyporus umbellatus
Mushroom · Asia
Umbrella polypore (zhu ling)
Polyporus umbellatus
Traditionally attributed effects: drains fluid via the urine in oedema and difficult urination.
Safety notes
Not without fluid accumulation. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Sclerotium. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.
Use in traditions
Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that drain dampness'. Zhu ling is the underground sclerotium of a mushroom. It drains fluid and is the chief herb of Zhu Ling Tang (Japanese: Choreito), which is prescribed in Japan for bladder complaints.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- sweet, bland, neutral
- Meridians
- bladder, kidney, spleen
Attributed effects
More strongly diuretic than fu ling: in oedema, difficult or painful urination, scanty urine, jaundice and diarrhoea from dampness.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 6–15 g a day, usually in a decoction. It is being researched in China for cancer; that is no reason to replace treatment.
Combinations
- With fu ling, ze xie and bai zhu in wu ling san
- With akebia and talc for painful urination
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction