Evidence supporting the use of: Poria mushroom
For the body system: Bladder
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Poria mushroom (Poria cocos, also known as Fu Ling in Traditional Chinese Medicine) has a long history of use in East Asian herbal traditions. It is commonly included in formulas to support urinary health, promote urination, and address symptoms related to water retention, which is often interpreted as benefiting the Bladder system in these medical frameworks. In classical Chinese medicine texts, Poria is considered to “drain dampness” and strengthen the Spleen, with indirect benefits for the Bladder by promoting the proper movement of fluids through the body. It is frequently paired with other herbs in formulas aimed at relieving urinary difficulty, edema, or frequent urination. Modern scientific research on Poria focuses mainly on its diuretic properties and effects on kidney and immune function. Some animal studies suggest mild diuretic activity, which could theoretically support traditional claims. However, robust clinical evidence in humans specifically supporting its use for bladder health is limited. The traditional use is strong and well-documented, forming the basis for its continued inclusion in bladder-support herbal remedies. Thus, while scientific validation is limited, the historical use of Poria mushroom for bladder and urinary system support is clear and widespread in traditional medicine, warranting a moderate evidence rating based on tradition.
Other ingredients that support Bladder
asparagusbearberry
beta-sitosterol
cranberry
D-mannose
damiana
dandelion
fu ling
gokhru
goldenseal
horseradish
horsetail
lophatherum leaf
lovage
mannitol
marshmallow
methenamine
nettle
parsley
pear
plantain
pumpkin
pygeum
saw palmetto
water
sarsaparilla
squawvine
chickweed
mugwort
Indian bael
nut grass
hedychium spicatum
punarnava
goldenrod
yarrow
sodium salt
juniper berries
dodder
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
queen of the meadow
guelder rose
hydrangea
coix
polyporus
cleavers
shepherd's purse
wood betony
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
gravel root
akebia
Arbutin
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Aletris
Aucubin
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Alisma
Abuta
Baliospermum
bergenin
Blepharis
Balsam
Bistort
Brazillian peppertree
Bael
boldo
berry
Black Poplar
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bassia scoparia
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Carrapicho
Cucurbita
Cnidium
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Chanca Piedra
Coconut Water
Cedar
Corktree
Cubeb
Cranesbill
Crinum latifolium
Costus
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
DL-Methionine
Dwarf Nettle
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Erigeron
Euryale seed
Echinodorus
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Fringetree
Fleabane
Fringed Pink
Fireweed
Goldthread
Gnaphalium
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Glycosaminoglycans
Golden Ragwort
Golden Shower Tree
Guazuma ulmifolia
Mallow
Other body systems supported by Poria mushroom
BladderDigestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Intestinal System
Kidneys
Large Intestines (Colon)
Liver
Lungs
Spleen
Stomach
Urinary System