fu-ling-pi

Fu-ling-pi is the dried outer skin (peel) of the sclerotium of **Poria cocos**, a fungus used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is classified as a diuretic herb that *promotes urination and reduces edema*, primarily by draining Dampness through action on the Bladder. Compared to the main body of the fungus (fu ling), fu-ling-pi is considered more diuretic but less tonifying. In TCM, it is used primarily for *edema*, *dysuria*, and conditions of fluid retention. Its actions are attributed to removing water and dampness from the body without exhausting Qi, targeting the Spleen, Heart, Lung, and Kidney meridians. Evidence from animal studies suggests anti-inflammatory and possible immunomodulatory effects, but clinical data are scarce and the peel is mainly administered as part of multi-herb formulas, not as a standalone treatment. No specific pharmaceutical effect or modern drug target has been established.

Other names

fu ling piporia skinporia peelporia cortexcortex poriae茯苓皮