Xī Huáng Wán (西黄丸) — Bezoar and Musk Toxin-Resolving Pill
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.
This substance comes from an endangered or protected species and cannot be legally prescribed in the UK. The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) prohibits the use of any endangered species, and trade is restricted under CITES.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include plant heat-clearing and blood-moving herbs such as Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao, Ru Xiang and Mo Yao.
On this page
- Overview
- Ingredients
- Traditional actions and indications
- Plant-based alternatives
- Why it is not prescribed
1. Overview
Xī Huáng Wán (西黄丸) — Bezoar and Musk Toxin-Resolving Pill — 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 Xī Huáng Wán 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:
- Niu Huang (ox gallstone) (animal product)
- She Xiang (musk) (animal product)
- Ru Xiang (frankincense), Mo Yao (myrrh) (plants)
3. Traditional actions and indications
Traditional actions
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity
- Invigorates the Blood, reduces swelling and dissipates nodules
Traditional indications
- Toxic swellings, abscesses and nodules; used supportively in some tumour patterns
4. Plant-based alternatives
In my practice I use plant-based formulas in place of Xī Huáng Wán. Depending on the TCM pattern, suitable alternatives include plant heat-clearing and blood-moving herbs such as Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao, Ru Xiang and Mo Yao. Read more about Chinese herbal medicine or book an online herbal consultation.
5. Why it is not prescribed
Xī Huáng Wán contains ingredients from endangered or protected species. It cannot be legally prescribed in the UK, and such ingredients are restricted internationally under CITES and prohibited by the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). 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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