Herbs A–Z • Bulk Herb Education • Product Guide
Tu Fu Ling (土茯苓) — Sarsaparilla Rhizome (Rhizoma Smilacis glabrae)
Pin Yin name: Tu Fu Ling • Other names: Smilax, Sarsaparilla Rhizome, Chinese Smilax, Rhizoma Smilacis glabrae
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Tu Fu Ling is valued for helping the body relieve toxicity and reduce dampness. In modern, DSHEA-friendly language, people often use it to support skin comfort, comfortable joint movement, and healthy fluid balance—especially when they feel “heavy,” damp, or sluggish.
- Brand: Nuherbs Lab Test • Geo-Authentic Herbs
- Other ingredients: None (nothing has been added)
- Origin: China
- Form: Cut / Sliced (not uniform pieces)
- Package size: 1 pound
If you need documentation, request the certificate of analysis (COA) from our team.
Quick Summary
- Channels / Meridians: Liver, Stomach
- Product properties (TCM): Sweet, Bland, Neutral
- Traditional actions (summary): Relieves toxicity; reduces dampness; benefits the skin; promotes normal urination; unblocks the joints :
- Best fit for: “Damp” heaviness + skin/joint comfort routines (pattern matters)
FDA Disclaimer: Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
What Is Tu Fu Ling?
Tu Fu Ling is the dried rhizome of Smilax glabra. In TCM, it is categorized among herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity, and is commonly chosen when a “damp” pattern is present—think heaviness, stickiness, or humid-weather flare-ups.
Tu Fu Ling vs. “Sarsaparilla”
“Sarsaparilla” can refer to several Smilax species in Western herbalism. Tu Fu Ling specifically refers to Smilax glabra (Rhizoma Smilacis glabrae), so correct identification and sourcing matter. :
Summary of Benefits (Traditional Use)
- Relieves toxicity (TCM pattern language)
- Reduces dampness and supports “drainage”
- Benefits the skin (supports skin comfort and clarity routines)
- Promotes normal urination (supports healthy fluid balance)
- Eases joint movement and helps “unblock” joints in damp patterns
- Supports temporary throat comfort as part of traditional use
Note: In TCM, herbs are chosen based on pattern differentiation. If you’re unsure whether your pattern is damp-heat, damp-cold, or deficiency-driven, ask a qualified practitioner.
Why It Works (TCM + Modern Research)
TCM perspective
Tu Fu Ling is described as sweet and bland with a neutral nature, entering the Liver and Stomach channels. Traditionally, it’s used to help the body clear dampness and resolve toxicity patterns—often chosen when skin and joints feel “damp” or congested.
Naturally occurring components (reported)
Tu Fu Ling (Smilax glabra rhizome) has been studied for plant compounds including flavonoids and sterols. Reported constituents include astilbin, quercetin, β-sitosterol, and β-sitosterol palmitate.
What research is exploring
Reviews describe ongoing research into antioxidant activity and support of normal inflammatory responses in preclinical models. Human clinical evidence varies by application and is not always definitive—so we frame Tu Fu Ling as wellness support, not a replacement for medical care.
How to Use Tu Fu Ling (Cut / Sliced)
Decoction (Traditional Method)
A common traditional approach is to decoct Tu Fu Ling slices. Many TCM references list a typical range of 15–60 grams depending on the pattern and practitioner guidance.
- Rinse the sliced herb quickly under cool water.
- Add 15–30g to a pot with 3–4 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer 30–45 minutes (covered). Because pieces are not uniform, thicker slices may benefit from the longer simmer.
- Strain and sip warm. Many people split into 2 servings/day.
Who This Is For (and Who Should Avoid It)
Good fit for people who:
- Feel “heavy,” damp, or sluggish and want a traditional dampness-support herb
- Want a skin + joint comfort routine aligned with TCM pattern logic
- Prefer traditional decoctions and consistent routines
Do NOT use (or use only with professional guidance) if:
- Pregnant or nursing (do not use) — per your product caution
- Liver/Kidney Yin deficient (use caution / avoid unless guided by a practitioner)
- You are medically complex, on prescriptions, or under active care—consult your clinician
Cautions, Sensitivities & Interactions
- Pregnancy/nursing: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.
- Pattern caution: Use caution if Liver/Kidney Yin deficient.
- Digestive sensitivity: May cause gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals (start low and stop if symptoms occur).
- Medication interactions: If you take prescription medications, consult a clinician familiar with herbs.
California Proposition 65
Some herbal products may require a California Proposition 65 warning due to potential exposure to chemicals that may increase lifetime cancer risk or risk of birth defects or other reproductive harm. Proposition 65 warnings are not unique to herbs and may appear across foods and supplements.
Learn more at the official California site: Proposition 65 Warnings.
Tu Fu Ling vs. Similar-Sounding Herbs
| Item | What it is | Main “mix-up” |
|---|---|---|
| Tu Fu Ling (Smilax glabra) | Chinese Smilax / sarsaparilla rhizome | Often confused with other sarsaparilla species |
| Western “Sarsaparilla” (Smilax spp.) | Related Smilax roots | Different species = different chemistry and traditional context |
| Fu Ling (Poria) | Fungal sclerotium (not Smilax) | Name similarity only — very different herb |
FAQs
Is Tu Fu Ling the same as Fu Ling?
No. Fu Ling is Poria (a fungus). Tu Fu Ling is Smilax glabra rhizome.
What does Tu Fu Ling taste like?
Mild, slightly sweet/bland, earthy. Many people find it easy to drink as a decoction.
How long should I simmer the sliced pieces?
Typically 30–45 minutes. Because slices are not uniform, thicker pieces may benefit from the longer simmer.
Can I take Tu Fu Ling if I’m Yin deficient?
TCM references advise caution in Liver/Kidney Yin deficiency. If you suspect this pattern, consult a practitioner before using.
Does this product contain additives?
No. Other ingredients: none—nothing has been added to this product (per your product specification).
Evidence & References
Research on Smilax glabra includes reviews and phytochemical studies describing constituents and preclinical findings.
- TCM properties/actions and dosage ranges (Liver/Stomach; sweet/bland/neutral; 15–60g)
- Phytochemical reviews listing compounds such as quercetin and broader constituent classes
- β-sitosterol and quercetin discussed among active compounds in modern analyses:
- Prop 65 background (official CA and industry education)
Related Links
About Nuherbs Lab Tested Quality.
Each batch of herbs is dual-lab tested by our in-house lab and independent third party lab. Our in-house lab is equipped with instruments such as a high performance liquid chromatography, moisture determination meter, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, gas chromatograph, etc.
In addition, the following additional tests are performed:
- Micro bacteria
- Pesticides - over 200 pesticides tested for (Uab 2000 screen).
- Heavy Metals - Lead, Mercury and Arsenic
We encourage you to educate yourself on herbs and supplements, by researching reputable sites, and books. Having an open discussion with your physician on what will be most beneficial for your health issues. And lastly discussing interaction of herbs and pharmaceuticals with your pharmacist or physician.
References:
https://prezi.com/1uobhydlr3rv/tu-fu-ling/
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/TuFuLing.html
https://www.phoenixmedical.com/tu-fu-ling
https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/tu-fu-ling
