Zhu ling sclerotium

Zhu Ling, also known as Polyporus or Polyporus Fungus, is a sweet, bland, and neutral herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to promote urination, leach out dampness, and support water metabolism. It is especially useful in treating edema, difficult urination, and damp-heat conditions in the lower burner. Unlike some other diuretic herbs, Zhu Ling drains dampness without damaging Yin or drying the body, making it suitable for long-term use in both excess and deficiency patterns. Functions & Benefits Promotes Urination & Leaches Out DampnessZhu Ling is most often used to treat edema, urinary difficulty, and scanty urination due to dampness obstructing the lower burner. It is effective in both acute and chronic urinary retention and is frequently combined with herbs like Fu Ling or Ze Xie. Clears Damp-Heat from the Lower BurnerZhu Ling is helpful in conditions involving painful urinary dysfunction (lin syndrome) with heat signs such as burning urination, dark urine, or urinary tract infections. It gently clears heat while draining excess dampness from the bladder system. Supports Water Metabolism Without Damaging YinThis herb is unique in that it promotes water passage without injuring fluids or damaging the Spleen. It can be used in Yin-deficient or mildly deficient patients who need gentle damp elimination without excessive drying. Assists in Resolving Edema & AscitesZhu Ling is used in the management of edema and fluid retention in the abdomen or limbs, especially when caused by internal damp accumulation or Spleen deficiency with water retention. Indications Urinary difficulty, dark or scanty urine due to damp-heatEdema in the limbs or abdomen from water retentionPainful urination or lin syndrome with burning or discomfortDamp accumulation in the lower burner with heaviness and sluggishnessSupportive use in long-term dampness patterns with minor deficiency Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM Tongue: Pale or normal with a thick, greasy, white or yellow coatingPulse: Slippery or soggy, may be moderate or wiry depending on underlying dampness Common TCM Patterns Treated by Zhu Ling Zhu Ling treats Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao, Water Retention, and Urinary Dysfunction due to Dampness. It is often used in conditions involving edema, urinary discomfort, and fluid accumulation without excess heat or dryness. Precautions & Contraindications Not suitable in cases of excessive thirst or Yin Deficiency with dry signsAvoid in polyuria or frequent urination without damp retentionNot appropriate in situations of cold from deficiency unless paired with warming herbsUse cautiously in very dry constitutions or in patients with constipation from dryness Conclusion Zhu Ling is a mild yet effective herb for draining dampness, promoting urination, and relieving edema or urinary retention. Its neutral nature and non-damaging action on body fluids make it especially suitable for chronic damp conditions, mild deficiency patterns, or cases needing long-term water regulation without side effects. It is widely used in urinary tract infections, edema, and fluid imbalance of the lower burner.