Witnessed by: TCM
Polyporus (Polyporus umbellatus), of the Polyporaceae family. Wood-rotting fungus forming an irregular black underground sclerotium; native range: temperate China, Europe and North America. Globally recognized as zhu ling (豬苓) in Chinese, and umbrella polypore, zhu ling sclerotium in English. The part used is sclerotium. Hard knobbly black mass, white and spongy within, nearly tasteless and bland.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
POLYPORUS
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- polyporus
- Scientific name
- Polyporus umbellatus (Pers.) Fr.
- Family
- Polyporaceae
Form
- Part used
- sclerotium
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet · bland
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral (slightly cool)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Kidney · Bladder
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- promotes urination and drains dampness
Cautions
- Contraindications
- not for urinary problems without damp, where its draining may injure the fluids
- Toxicity
- regarded as safe in normal dose
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