Zhu Ling vs Pashanbheda

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Zhu Ling

Polyporus umbellatus

Urinary

Bergenia ciliata

Urinary

Zhu Ling

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Pashanbheda

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Parasitic mushroom growing on oak and birch roots; used in TCM and Kampo as diuretic and immune modulator.

Alpine herb of Himalayan mountains; used in Ayurveda and traditional Tibetan medicine for kidney stones — name literally means "stone breaker".

Active Compounds

polysaccharides, ergosterol, biotin, polyporenic acids, beta-glucans

bergenin, afzelechin, catechin, tannins, arbutin, mucilage

Traditional Uses

Urinary difficulty and edema in TCM, Dampness accumulation, Urinary tract infections, Used in Zhu Ling Tang formula

Kidney stones in Ayurveda, Urinary tract infections, Liver conditions, Coughs and respiratory conditions

Modern Uses

Immunomodulatory, Antitumor polysaccharides, Diuretic, Hepatoprotective

Lithotriptic, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial

Adult Dosage

6–12 g dried mushroom as decoction; 500 mg extract 2x daily

3–5 g rhizome as decoction; 500 mg extract 2x daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Yin deficiency without dampness

Pregnancy

Side Effects

GI upset, Rare allergic reactions

GI upset, Increased urination

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E