Fu ling (wolfiporia extensa)
Synopsis of fu ling
Fu Ling is the dried sclerotium (underground fungal body) of Poria cocos, a wood-decaying fungus that grows in association with pine tree roots. Known in Western herbalism as Indian bread or hoelen, it is a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), valued for its diuretic, calming, and digestive properties. Unlike mushrooms that produce visible fruiting bodies, Fu Ling forms a compact, subterranean mass that is harvested, peeled, sliced, and dried for medicinal use. It contains triterpenoids, polysaccharides (notably β-pachymaran), and sterols, which contribute to its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and mildly sedative effects.
Fu Ling is commonly used to drain dampness, promote urination, and strengthen the Spleen, a TCM organ system associated with digestion and fluid metabolism. It is frequently included in herbal formulas for edema, urinary difficulty, loose stools, poor appetite, fatigue, and restlessness or insomnia. Its gentle tonifying effect makes it suitable for long-term use and appropriate for weakened or elderly individuals.
In modern herbal practice, Fu Ling is also studied for its potential in cancer support protocols, immune regulation, and gut health, due to its polysaccharide content. It is often included in formulas for digestive harmony, detoxification, and calming the nervous system, and may appear in powdered teas, capsules, or decoctions.
Historical Use
Fu Ling has been used for over 2,000 years in Chinese herbal medicine, with references in classic texts like the Shennong Bencao Jing (Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), where it was categorized as a superior herb—meaning it was considered safe for prolonged use and beneficial to overall vitality.
Traditionally, Fu Ling was used to quiet the Heart and calm the spirit (Shen), treat water retention and damp-induced conditions, and support digestion and fluid metabolism. It was often prescribed in formulas to reduce swelling, settle the mind, and treat palpitations and insomnia caused by excessive worry or Spleen Qi deficiency. One well-known classical combination is Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan, a formula used to break up blood stasis and damp congestion in gynecological conditions.
The herb was also dried and ground into powder or cooked into congee-like preparations with rice or dates to strengthen digestion and ease bloating. Its ability to simultaneously tonify and eliminate—supporting while gently detoxifying—made it a cornerstone herb in many classical and modern formulas.
Though not widely known in Western herbal traditions, Fu Ling has gained recognition in global herbalism and integrative medicine for its adaptogenic, digestive, and calming actions, bridging traditional East Asian medicine with modern health approaches focused on balance, resilience, and internal cleansing.
Fu ling is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Kidney Infection (Traditional)
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen) (Traditional)
Nephritis (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
fu ling is used to support these body systems
Bladder (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
