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 Dampness
Zhu 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 Burner
Zhu 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 Yin
This 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 & Ascites
Zhu 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-heat
Edema in the limbs or abdomen from water retention
Painful urination or lin syndrome with burning or discomfort
Damp accumulation in the lower burner with heaviness and sluggishness
Supportive 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 coating
Pulse: 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 signs
Avoid in polyuria or frequent urination without damp retention
Not appropriate in situations of cold from deficiency unless paired with warming herbs
Use 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.
