Evidence supporting the use of: Poria Mushrooms
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections

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Synopsis

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

Poria mushroom (Poria cocos, also known as Fu Ling in Traditional Chinese Medicine) has been traditionally used for centuries in East Asian herbal medicine, particularly as a diuretic and to support urinary health. Its historical usage is well-documented in classical Chinese medical texts, where it is often prescribed to "drain dampness," promote urination, and support the spleen and kidney functions. In the context of urinary tract infections (UTIs), Poria is typically used as part of multi-herb formulas intended to alleviate symptoms such as difficulty urinating, edema, or cloudy urine, which are interpreted in TCM as manifestations of internal dampness or damp-heat.

However, direct scientific evidence supporting Poria's efficacy for the treatment or prevention of UTIs specifically is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have shown that Poria extracts possess mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects, which may theoretically support urinary health, but these findings have not been robustly demonstrated in human clinical trials for UTIs. Thus, while its use for urinary tract conditions is justified by a strong tradition, current scientific evidence remains preliminary and indirect.

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