Common Ducksmeat Herb (Fu Ping)

Common Ducksmeat Herb (fu ping, 浮萍), also known as Herba Spirodelae, is the whole plant of Spirodela polyrrhiza (L.) Schleid. Fam. Lemaceae. In China, this plant is mainly produced in provinces such as Hubei, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian and Sichuan.

Other than its medicinal uses, healthcare professionals have also observed that burning this herb can drive mosquitoes away.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Common Ducksmeat Herb falls under the category of ‘Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior’. Such herbs aim to treat the early stages of diseases that affect the upper respiratory tract, the eyes, the ears, the nose, the throat or the skin. By inducing sweating to dilate capillary pores and release more sweat, it is believed that these herbs can expel External diseases from the body and prevent further invasion.

Cold in nature, Common Ducksmeat Herb can help individuals who have too much Heat in their body, such as those experiencing a yang excess or a yin deficiency, to restore a harmonious yin-yang balance. Pungent in taste, Common Ducksmeat Herb can promote the circulations of qi and body fluids. In particular, Common Ducksmeat Herb targets the Lungs and bladder.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows that Common Ducksmeat Herb has the following health benefits.

Common Ducksmeat Herb can induce sweating and release the Exterior, which can thus expel Exterior Heat and relieve Wind-Heat with headache, body aches and anhidrosis. 

By releasing the Exterior, Common Ducksmeat Herb can also vent rashes by promoting the eruption of measles to allow them to resolve more quickly.

As Common Ducksmeat Herb can promote urination and reduce swelling, Common Ducksmeat Herb is also indicated for hot superficial edema, especially in the upper body accompanied by urinary difficulty.

The recommended daily dosage of Common Ducksmeat Herb is 3 – 10g, when used as a decoction. Common Ducksmeat Herb is also available in other supplement forms such as pills and powder.

Other than being consumed, Common Ducksmeat Herb can also be used externally as a wash for rashes. Do consult your healthcare provider on the appropriate dosage for external application.

Common Ducksmeat Herb can be found in herbal stores and Asian specialty markets.

Common Ducksmeat Herb should not be used by individuals experiencing any conditions with profuse sweating, including Wei Qi deficiency, blood deficiency or qi deficiency. Also, individuals experiencing night sweats, thirst and dry mouth from yin deficiency should avoid using this herb. People experiencing edema due to yang deficiency should refrain from using this herb too.

We strongly encourage you to consult your healthcare provider before deciding to add Common Ducksmeat Herb to your healthcare routine!

Here is a summary for Common Ducksmeat Herb:

• Herb name (Chinese): 浮萍
• Herb name (Pin Yin): fú píng
• Herb name (English): Common Ducksmeat Herb
• Herb name (Botanical): Herba Spirodelae
• Origin of species: Spirodela polyrrhiza (L.) Schleid. Fam. Lemaceae
• Part(s) of herb used: Whole plant
• Geo-specific habitat(s): Hubei, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Sichuan
• Taste(s) & Properties: Pungent; Cold; Administrates the Lung and Bladder Meridians
• Actions: Eases symptoms of fever and skin rashes; Relieves difficult urination due to water retention

Liu, S. L., Kuo, C. L., Ko, Y. J., & Hsieh, M. T. (2012). Textual research for Latin names and medicinal effects of Medium Grade Drugs in Shennongbencaojing. J Chin Med, 23(2), 199-221. [Accessed on 11th July 2023]

Yun, L., Banzuo, H., Yanyan, B., Xiufang, G., & Junhua, Z. (1999). Studies on the chemical constituents of common ducksmeat (Spirodela polyrrhiza). Zhong cao yao= Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs, 30(2), 88-90. [Accessed on 11th July 2023]