Guī Lù Èr Xiān Jiāo (龟鹿二仙胶) — Tortoise Shell and Deer Antler Syrup
Information only — not used or prescribed at this clinic. This page documents a traditional Chinese herbal formula that contains one or more animal-derived ingredients, for reference and education. I do not use or prescribe any animal products. Every formula I prescribe is built entirely from plant and mineral herbs.
I do not use this substance on animal-welfare grounds, and it is not prescribed in my practice. Related species are also restricted under endangered-species and welfare rules.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include You Gui Wan, Zuo Gui Wan and plant tonics such as Shu Di Huang and Gou Qi Zi.
On this page
- Overview
- Ingredients
- Traditional actions and indications
- Plant-based alternatives
- Why it is not prescribed
1. Overview
Guī Lù Èr Xiān Jiāo (龟鹿二仙胶) — Tortoise Shell and Deer Antler Syrup — is a traditional formula of the Chinese Materia Medica that contains one or more animal-derived ingredients. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Guī Lù Èr Xiān Jiāo or any formula containing animal products; where a comparable effect is needed I prescribe a plant-based formula matched to the patient's TCM pattern.
2. Ingredients
Traditional ingredients include:
- Gui Ban (tortoise plastron) (animal product)
- Lu Jiao (deer antler) (animal product)
- Ren Shen (ginseng)
- Gou Qi Zi (goji berry)
3. Traditional actions and indications
Traditional actions
- Tonifies Yin and Yang together
- Boosts the Essence (Jing) and the Blood
Traditional indications
- Severe deficiency of Essence and Blood
- Weak bones, impotence and infertility from deep deficiency
4. Plant-based alternatives
In my practice I use plant-based formulas in place of Guī Lù Èr Xiān Jiāo. Depending on the TCM pattern, suitable alternatives include You Gui Wan, Zuo Gui Wan and plant tonics such as Shu Di Huang and Gou Qi Zi. Read more about Chinese herbal medicine or book an online herbal consultation.
5. Why it is not prescribed
On animal-welfare grounds I do not use Guī Lù Èr Xiān Jiāo, and it is not prescribed in my practice; a plant-based alternative is used instead. All Chinese herbs and formulas should be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), which prohibits the use of endangered species. Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council and does not use animal products of any kind.
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