Seaweeds and fungiDampness-drainingPoria Cutis

Fu Ling Pi (Poria Peel)

茯苓皮 · Fu Ling Pi

Dampness-draining herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional functions: Promotes urination and reduces edema, especially skin edema.

Read our in-depth guide

In-Depth GuideWant to learn more about Fu Ling Pi?

Quick Facts

Latin NamePoria Cutis
Chinese Name & Pinyin茯苓皮 · Fu Ling Pi
Medicinal PartSeaweeds and fungi
Efficacy CategoryDampness-draining
Botanical OriginThe dried outer cortex of the sclerotium of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (Polyporaceae).
Nature & FlavourSweet, Bland; Neutral
Channels EnteredLung, Spleen, Kidney

What Is Fu Ling Pi?

Fu Ling Pi (Poria Peel) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Anhui and Hubei.

Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Bland; Neutral
Channels Entered: Lung, Spleen, Kidney

Fu Ling Pi: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Poria Cutis

Botanical Origin

The dried outer cortex of the sclerotium of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (Polyporaceae).

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Anhui and Hubei.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material has a dark outer surface and a clean white inner layer.

Macroscopic Features

Irregular slices or pieces of outer rind, externally brownish-black to brown; inner surface white to reddish-white; light and tough.

Traditional TCM Properties

Sweet, Bland; NeutralLungSpleenKidney

Traditional Functions

Promotes urination and reduces edema, especially skin edema. Apply to puffy swelling and inhibited urination.

How Fu Ling Pi Is Used in TCM

In the Chinese materia medica, Fu Ling Pi is classified among the Dampness-draining herbs. It appears in 1 classical formulas in our library.

Formulas containing Fu Ling Pi are traditionally used for:

EdemaBloatingFrequent UrinationPoor Appetite

Classical Formulas Containing Fu Ling Pi

Herbs Commonly Combined with Fu Ling Pi

Sang Bai PiSheng Jiang PiChen PiDa Fu Pi

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fu Ling Pi? Are Fu Ling, Fu Shen and Zhu Ling the same?
Official Fu Ling Pi (茯苓皮) is the dried outer skin of the sclerotium of Poria cocos. The pharmacopoeial name is Poriae Cutis. Fu Ling is sweet-bland-neutral: promotes urination, leaches damp, fortifies the Spleen and calms the Heart. Fu Shen is the portion with pine root: sweet-bland-neutral, calms the Heart and spirit and promotes urination. Zhu Ling is sweet-bland-neutral: promotes urination and leaches damp—more focused. Write Fu Ling Pi. Use caution in vacuity-cold seminal leakage and qi sinking.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Fu Ling Pi?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Fu Ling Pi is sweet, bland and neutral, enters the Lung, Spleen and Kidney channels, and acts to promote urination and disperse swelling. It is used for edema and inhibited urination. Sweet-bland and skin-reaching, it suits skin-water swelling—not vacuity swelling without water-damp or qi sinking.
Does Fu Ling Pi need special processing? Can Fu Ling replace it?
Pare the outer skin, remove impurities, wash and dry. Poria also fortifies the Spleen and calms the Heart; it cannot replace moving skin water by equal weight. Fu Shen calms the Heart and cannot replace promoting urination and dispersing swelling.
Read the complete guide →

Learn More About Fu Ling Pi

Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Fu Ling Pi.

Read the Fu Ling Pi Guide →

Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.

Login

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account yet?
Create account