Medicinals
lù róng / 鹿茸 / 鹿茸 / velvet deer antler;
Latin pharmacognostic name: Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum
Alternate English names: velvet deer horn
Alternate Chinese names: 珠鹿茸 zhū lù róng; 茸角 róng jiǎo
Origin: Animal
Use: medicinal
Category: Supplementing agents / Yáng-supplementing agents
Properties: Sweet, salty; warm.
Channel entry: liver and kidney channels.
Indications:
- Invigorates kidney yáng: Impotence, premature ejaculation, infertility due to uterine cold, frequent urination or incontinence, dizziness, tinnitus, aching lumbus and knees, cold limbs, and
lassitude of the spirit . - Boosts essence-blood and strengthens sinew and bone: Limp wilting sinews and bones, poor development in children,
nonclosure of the fontanels , slowness to teethe, slowness to walk. - Regulates the thoroughfare (chōng) and controlling (rèn) vessels: Incessant flooding and spotting or profuse vaginal discharge.
- Expresses the sore-toxin: Enduring ulcerated sores that fail to close; yīn flat-abscesses.
Dosage & Method:
Oral: 9–24g in decoctions; use in pills and powders; can also be steeped in liquor to make medicinal wine.
Warning:
Lù róng should be used in small quantities at first, which can be gradually increased over time. If it is abruptly taken in large quantities, it can cause upbearing of yáng and stirring wind, manifesting in red eyes and dizziness. It assists fire and stirs the blood, so the abrupt use of large doses can also cause nosebleed. It is contraindicated in yīn vacuity with yáng hyperactivity, as well as in blood aspect heat, intense stomach fire, phlegm-heat in the lung, and in externally contracted febrile disease.
Product Description:
This antler comprises a main stem 14–33 cm long, with up to three 1–3 branches. It is gray or brown on the outside with dense short velvety hair that is sparser toward the base. After removing the hair, it is steamed and cut into 2–5 mm slices, which have small holes in a distinct honey-comb pattern on the transverse section. It has a slight fishy smell.
Quality:
Good quality antler should have a red hue and fine, soft hair and should feel oily.
Product Area:
Cervus Nippon: Jílín, Liáoníng, Hēilóngjiāng, Héběi, Beijing. Cervus Elaphus: Hēilóngjiāng, Jílín, Inner Mongolia, Xīnjiāng, Qīnghǎi, and Gānsū.
Etymology:
The 鹿茸 lù róng) literally means deer ""fluff"" or ""velvet"", reflecting the velvety texture of the product.
See also: