Polyporus umbellatus is a very useful medicinal mushroom as a diuretic and above all potassium-sparing and also used as a natural immunostimulant in influenza. Let’s find out better.
Description of the mushroom
It is a saprophytic fungus that grows in summer and autumn on the roots of beeches, maples, and oaks, resembles the Grifola Frondosa, but is less woody and rarer. Also known by the name Zhu ling where Zhu means “pig” and ling “mushroom” and refers to the appearance of the mushroom similar to pig droppings.
Its taste is sweet and its prolonged use can weaken the Yin.
In the Chinese tradition, Polyporus is used for its diuretic and skin improvement properties, it relaxes muscle tissue and facilitates urination during pregnancy. In mycotherapy it is used to treat inflammation and infections affecting the genitourinary system.
In TCM, Polyporus has been used for about 2000 years and has always been appreciated for its diuretic, potassium-sparing, renal support and saving properties of minerals important for the skin and hair.
In Polyporu Umbellatus ergosterol, biotin, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, alpha hydroxytetranoic acid, proteins, fibers, iron, carbohydrates, potassium, calcium and trace elements such as manganese, copper and zinc have been found.
The properties of Polyporus umbellatus
Excellent diuretic and above all potassium saver, in fact in this mushroom the ratio between sodium and potassium is 5:, as it should be in our diet, in fact usually the ratio is 1: 2 and this means putting the kidneys under strain.
High blood pressure often treated with diuretics can improve with the use of this important medicinal mushroom. Through this net saving and nutrition it protects the kidney and promotes good physiological functioning.
It improves the bone, hair and nail structure and promotes their growth and also tends to preserve collagen.
Useful in constipation, it supports the genitourinary system and therefore also the prostate, useful in cystitis both as a preventive and as an antimicrobial in infection.
Natural immunostimulant in influenza, in diseases caused by viruses and bacteria, flu, bronchitis and cough and is also useful in psycho-emotional stress.
Useful as a support in case of bladder cancer in association with Maitake.
It is also associated with Agaricus blazei murrili in support of lung cancer therapies since it also has a pulmonary tropism.
Its important action on the lymphatic system makes it very effective in lymphomas and leukemias always together with ABM and also when you are in a state of organic intoxication as it speeds up the elimination of toxins through the lymphatic system.
When to use it
Its most important action is diuretic and on the lymphatic system, but it is also a powerful eliminator of toxins, it acts in support of bladder cancer, when there is prostatic inflammation, cystitis, hypertension.
Excellent as a strengthening of hair, bones and nails, exceptional support action on the Kidney.
Polyporus umbellatus in traditional Chinese medicine
In TCM it is not recommended to use it for prolonged periods and it is not recommended even in “excess heat” and internal dryness as it can weaken the Yin.
Eliminates humidity and acts on the Water and Earth Lodges, has a diuretic action, indicated for difficulty in urination, edema, leucorrhoea and diarrhea.
It exerts its action on the Kidney and Spleen Meridians.
