Poria mushroom (Poria cocos, also known as Fu Ling in Traditional Chinese Medicine) is primarily used in the context of traditional medicine for supporting respiratory health, including conditions that may overlap with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Poria is considered to promote urination, strengthen the spleen, and calm the spirit. Historically, it is included in herbal formulas for conditions described as "phlegm-dampness" affecting the lungs, which might correspond to some respiratory symptoms seen in COPD. However, the traditional use is based on symptom patterns and energetic theories rather than modern disease categories.

Scientific studies directly investigating Poria mushroom for COPD are extremely limited. Some preliminary in vitro and animal studies suggest immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, but these findings have not been robustly translated into clinical research for COPD specifically. There are no well-designed human trials demonstrating efficacy or safety of Poria in the treatment or management of COPD. As such, while its use is justified by traditional practice, scientific validation for its role in COPD is lacking, and the overall quality of evidence is low.