ZHU LING MUSHROOM Polyporus umbellatus (=Grifola umbellata )
A sclerotia-forming mushroom used in Chinese herbalism as a diuretic for urinary infections and edema. Contemporary scientific research reveals it to be strongly antitumor, a natural antibiotic, antimalarial, antiinflammatory and liver protective. Chinese studies have found it significantly effective in treating cirrhosis, hepatitis B and in aiding the immune system of patients in recovery from lung cancer chemotherapy. 4–8 grams per dose, mixed with food, or decocted as tea.