Evidence supporting the use of: Poria mushroom
For the health condition: Kidney Infection
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Poria mushroom (Poria cocos, also known as Fu Ling) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly for conditions related to the kidney and urinary system. In TCM, Poria is considered a diuretic and is commonly prescribed to "drain dampness," "strengthen the spleen," and "support kidney function." It is often included in herbal formulas intended for urinary tract issues, including kidney infections, although the concept of "kidney infection" in TCM does not directly correspond to the biomedical diagnosis of pyelonephritis.
From a scientific standpoint, there is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of Poria mushroom specifically for treating kidney infections. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that compounds in Poria may have mild anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and immunomodulatory effects, but these studies do not directly investigate its efficacy against kidney infections in humans. Human clinical trials are lacking. The continued use of Poria for this indication is therefore primarily based on tradition rather than robust scientific validation. Thus, the evidence rating is a 2, reflecting traditional support with minimal scientific corroboration.
Other ingredients used for Kidney Infection
astragalusbearberry
burdock
caterpillar mushroom
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
dandelion
fu ling
licorice root
lophatherum leaf
marshmallow
methenamine
ophiopogon root
reishi mushroom
slippery elm bark
sarsaparilla
clerodendrum indicum
goldenrod
myrrh
juniper berries
cornsilk
buchu
couch grass
hydrangea
cleavers
geranium
akebia
Angelica
Arbutin
Achyranthes
Anamu
American Liverleaf
Adzuki bean
Alisma
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Barleria
Berberis (unspecified)
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Black Nightshade
Black root
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cynodon dactylon
Clerodendrum indicum
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Euphorbia
Embelia
Little ironweed
Mallow
Other health conditions supported by Poria mushroom
Appetite (deficient)Asthma
Bladder Infection
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Convalescence
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Kidney Infection
Liver Detoxification
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Memory and Brain Function
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Stress
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores