Zhu Ling
Also known as: Polyporus umbellatus, polyporus, zhuling.
Zhu Ling stays in the library to preserve the full drainage cluster, but its use case is narrow and the evidence base is too indirect for a higher tier.
Where this fits in the system
What it does
Zhu Ling is an optional TCM herb for the user whose hangover feels swollen, heavy, and slow to clear. It belongs in the drainage cluster only.
How it works
Where it fits
Zhu Ling is a secondary tool for the "too much fluid in the wrong places" recovery pattern. That makes it a Debrief and Mayday ingredient rather than a nightly default.
Buying guidance
Use tea-cut herb from a known TCM supplier. This is an optional experiment, so it should be sourced simply and used conservatively.
Deep science · Zhu Ling — deep dive
Why it is Tier 4
The site keeps Zhu Ling because long-tail pattern coverage is a feature. It stays clearly below the main stack because the case for it is traditional and directional, not strongly proven for hangovers.