Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Fu Ling (Poria cocos, also known as poria or tuckahoe) is a commonly used ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Traditionally, Fu Ling is employed to "drain dampness," strengthen the spleen, and calm the mind. In the context of abdominal pain, Fu Ling is included in herbal formulas aimed at addressing disharmonies associated with the spleen and dampness accumulation, which are believed in TCM to be underlying contributors to symptoms such as bloating, distension, and vague abdominal discomfort.

There is a long historical precedent for the use of Fu Ling in formulas targeting digestive complaints, such as Ping Wei San and Si Jun Zi Tang, both of which are used for symptoms that may include abdominal pain. However, the traditional rationale is based on TCM theory rather than direct evidence for pain relief per se. Some modern pharmacological studies have indicated that Fu Ling contains polysaccharides and triterpenoids with anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects, but robust clinical evidence specifically supporting its use for abdominal pain is lacking.

Therefore, the use of Fu Ling for abdominal pain is primarily justified by traditional usage, with limited supportive evidence from modern scientific research. The strength of evidence is modest, largely reflecting centuries of traditional application rather than controlled clinical trials.

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