Zhu Ling Tang — Polyporus Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Conditions treated
5. Cautions

Overview

Zhu Ling Tang — Polyporus Decoction — is the classical Chinese herbal formula for promoting urination and clearing Heat from the Bladder while simultaneously nourishing Yin to prevent further fluid depletion. Originating from Zhang Zhongjing’s Shang Han Lun, it addresses the paradoxical situation where Damp-Heat is causing urinary difficulty, burning and urgency, while the patient simultaneously has underlying Yin deficiency — meaning that strongly drying Damp-clearing herbs would damage the already depleted Yin. The formula’s elegant design uses herbs that clear Damp-Heat through urination without damaging Yin, combined with herbs that directly nourish the depleted fluids.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Water accumulation with Damp-Heat in the Bladder and Yin deficiency, characterised by: urinary difficulty, painful or burning urination, urinary urgency and frequency, thirst with a desire to drink but not satisfying thirst, fever, nausea, insomnia, a red tongue with little or no coating (reflecting the Yin deficiency component), and a thin, rapid pulse.

Key herbs

1. Zhu Ling (Polyporus umbellatus) — the principal herb; strongly promotes urination and drains Dampness without damaging Yin
2. Fu Ling (Poria cocos) — promotes urination, tonifies Spleen and calms the Heart-Mind
3. Ze Xie (Alisma plantago-aquatica rhizome) — drains Dampness and clears Heat through urination
4. Hua Shi (Talcum / soapstone) — clears Heat, promotes urination and resolves Damp-Heat in the Bladder
5. E Jiao (Equus asinus hide gelatin) — nourishes Yin and Blood; the key herb that distinguishes this formula by protecting and restoring the Yin while Dampness is being cleared

Conditions treated

1. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) with burning, urgency and frequency — the formula’s primary indication, particularly in patients with underlying Yin deficiency
2. Recurrent UTIs in women from Kidney Yin deficiency with Damp-Heat
3. Bladder stones and urolithiasis with Damp-Heat and Yin deficiency pattern
4. Cystitis and urethritis from Damp-Heat in the Bladder
5. Urinary difficulty in the elderly from Yin deficiency with water accumulation
6. Insomnia from Yin deficiency with water disturbing the Heart-Mind

Cautions

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.