Tǔ Fú Líng (土茯苓) — Smilax glabra rhizome
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1. Overview
Tǔ Fú Líng (土茯苓) — the rhizome of Smilax glabra — is a cooling, draining Chinese herb that clears Damp-Heat and toxic Heat from the body. It is the principal classical Chinese herb for chronic Damp-Heat skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema, acne and tinea, and was historically the cornerstone of treatment for syphilis. In modern clinical practice it is most commonly used for stubborn Damp-Heat-driven conditions: chronic skin disease, gout, joint pain with swelling, and chronic urinary tract infections. Modern research has identified anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-hyperuricaemic activity consistent with the classical indications.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Tǔ Fú Líng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 土茯苓 |
| Latin name | Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae / Smilax glabra |
| English name | Smilax rhizome, China root |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet, bland |
| Channels entered | Liver, Stomach |
| Category | Clear Heat and resolve toxicity |
| Dosage | 15–60 g, decocted; larger doses for severe Damp-Heat skin and joint conditions |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Damp-Heat and resolves toxicity — for chronic skin conditions with Damp-Heat features: psoriasis, eczema, acne, tinea, dermatitis with redness, oozing and itch.
- Drains Damp-Heat from the joints — for gout, swollen painful joints, and chronic Damp-Heat bi (rheumatic) syndromes. Often combined with Yi Yi Ren and Mu Gua.
- Resolves toxic Damp-Heat in the genitourinary system — classical use for syphilis and chronic urogenital infections. The closely related Smilax china (Ba Qia) shares similar actions.
- Supports the Spleen by draining Damp without harming Yang — its sweet, bland, neutral nature makes it suitable for longer-term use in chronic Damp-Heat patterns where stronger draining herbs would deplete Qi.
4. Key formulas
- Tu Fu Ling Tang — the classical formula for Damp-Heat syphilitic skin lesions, traditionally containing Tu Fu Ling as the principal herb at high doses (30–60 g).
- Modern dermatology formulas for psoriasis and eczema with Damp-Heat patterns commonly include Tu Fu Ling alongside Bai Xian Pi, Di Fu Zi and Ku Shen.
- Anti-gout formulas pair Tu Fu Ling with Yi Yi Ren, Cang Zhu and Niu Xi to drain Damp-Heat from the lower body.
5. Cautions
Tu Fu Ling is generally well tolerated even at high doses. Avoid in patients with Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency, as the draining action may aggravate fluid depletion. Strong tea and coffee should be avoided when taking Tu Fu Ling as tannins may reduce absorption (a traditional caution). Safe in pregnancy under specialist supervision.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Tu Fu Ling as part of pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan, particularly for chronic skin conditions and gout that have not responded to lifestyle change alone. Online Chinese herbal consultations are available. See prices for costs.
