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Shennong Bencao Jing
020 / 030
Zhuling (Polyporus) — classical plate
Polyporus · Polyporus Plate 020
Polyporus
猪苓 Zhuling
Polyporus
Polyporus umbellatus (Pers.) Fries
Nature & FlavorSweet, bland; neutral
ChannelsKidney, Bladder
Actions
Drains waterLeaches dampnessFrees stranguria
Six ChannelsTaiyang water amassment, yin deficiency with water-heat
The ClassicThe original text

「味甘平。主痎疟，解毒，蛊疰不祥，利水道。久服轻身耐老。」

Sweet in flavor, neutral. It treats malaria-like disorders, resolves toxins and inauspicious gu afflictions, and frees the water passages. Taken over a long time, it lightens the body and resists aging.

RootBro's note — Zhuling Tang is one of the few classical formulas that 'drains water without injuring yin': zhuling drains the water while ejiao nourishes the yin — a pairing designed for yin deficiency with water and heat bound together, better suited than Wu Ling San for patients whose fluids are already injured.
PhD InsightA systems-biology reading
Its key constituent, polyporus polysaccharide, combines immune regulation with direct diuretic action. Its diuretic mechanism is independent of the aldosterone system, working by suppressing aquaporins in the renal tubules.
Polyporus Polysaccharide · 猪苓多糖
Suppresses AQP2 (aquaporin-2) expression in the renal tubules → water reabsorption ↓ → diuresis. Also activates NK cells and macrophages → immune surveillance ↑. These two mechanisms give it research value in adjunctive cancer care as well.
Zhuling vs. fuling: zhuling purely drains water — no spleen-fortifying or spirit-calming action — and its diuresis is stronger; fuling drains water while also fortifying the spleen and calming the spirit, broader and gentler. The clinical choice turns on whether the spleen, stomach and spirit also need care.
Logic PairingClassical pairings
Zhuling Tang (Polyporus Decoction)Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria)Zhuling San (Polyporus Powder)
← Previous Zexie · 泽泻

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