Fú Líng (茯苓) — Poria (Tuckahoe / China Root)

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Fú Líng (茯苓) — Poria cocos — is known in English as Poria / Tuckahoe / China root. It belongs to the category of Herbs that drain Dampness in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Fú Líng as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Promotes urination and drains Dampness
2. Strengthens the Spleen and harmonises the Middle
3. Calms the Heart and quiets the spirit
4. Transforms Phlegm

Indications

1. Oedema, difficult urination and Dampness accumulation
2. Spleen Qi deficiency with diarrhoea, poor appetite and fatigue
3. Insomnia, palpitations and anxiety from Heart and Spleen deficiency
4. Dizziness and vertigo from Phlegm-Damp
5. Cough with copious sputum
6. Used in virtually all tonifying formulas to harmonise the Middle Jiao and prevent stagnation from the tonic herbs

4. Key formulas containing Fú Líng

Fú Líng is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:

• Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
• Gui Pi Tang
• Si Jun Zi Tang
• Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
• Wu Ling San
• Er Chen Tang

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Poria cocos is one of the most frequently prescribed Chinese medicinal herbs and has been subject to extensive modern pharmacological research. Key bioactive constituents include pachyman (beta-glucan polysaccharides), triterpenes (pachymic acid, eburicoic acid) and ergosterol. Research demonstrates immunomodulatory effects (stimulating macrophage, NK cell and T-cell activity), anti-tumour activity, anti-inflammatory effects, hepatoprotective effects, sedative and anxiolytic properties, and beneficial effects on the gut microbiome. Poria polysaccharides are under active investigation for adjunct use in cancer care. Clinical research supports its use in insomnia, anxiety, immune deficiency and as a prebiotic supporting gut health.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Generally very safe and well tolerated. Use with caution in patients with frequent urination from Cold patterns, as the diuretic action may aggravate the condition. Rarely associated with allergic reactions.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Fú Líng as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Insomnia, Anxiety, Digestive disorders, Fibroids. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.