The differences between Fu Ling (Poria) and Tu Fu Ling (Earth Poria) lie in their sources, properties, meridian affinities, effects, and contraindications. They are two distinct Chinese medicinal materials with significant differences, and their use should ideally be guided by TCM diagnostic principles.
1. Different Sources: Fu Ling is the dried sclerotium of the fungus Poria cocos from the family Polyporaceae, while Tu Fu Ling is the dried rhizome of the plant Smilax glabra from the family Liliaceae.
2. Different Properties: Fu Ling is typically spherical, oval, or flat-rounded in shape, varying in size, with a brown or dark brown outer skin that has distinct wrinkled textures. The interior is white, with some being light red. Tu Fu Ling is cylindrical, with a yellow-brown or gray-brown surface that is uneven. When sliced, it appears elongated or irregular, with a cut surface that is whitish or light red-brown.
3. Different Meridian Affinities: Fu Ling is sweet, bland, and neutral, entering the Heart, Lung, Spleen, and Kidney meridians. In contrast, Tu Fu Ling is sweet, bland, and neutral, entering the Liver and Stomach meridians.
4. Different Effects: Fu Ling has the effects of promoting urination, leaching out dampness, strengthening the Spleen, and calming the mind. It is used to treat symptoms such as difficulty urinating, edema, cough with phlegm, Spleen deficiency with poor appetite, palpitations, insomnia, and forgetfulness. Tu Fu Ling has detoxifying, dampness-eliminating, and joint-relieving effects, used for treating symptoms like damp-heat urinary dysfunction, carbuncles, and scabies.
5. Different Contraindications: Fu Ling is sweet and bland, promoting urination, and should not be used by individuals with deficiency-cold and spermatorrhea, or those with Qi deficiency and prolapse. The contraindication for Tu Fu Ling is caution in those with Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency.
Although the names Fu Ling and Tu Fu Ling are similar, they are two different substances. It is essential to consult a physician before use, as the doctor can determine the appropriate medication, and self-medication should be avoided.