Xī Jiǎo Dì Huáng Tāng (犀角地黄汤) — Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction
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 water buffalo horn (Shui Niu Jiao) with Sheng Di Huang, Mu Dan Pi and Chi Shao — a fully plant-and-buffalo version.
On this page
- Overview
- Ingredients
- Traditional actions and indications
- Plant-based alternatives
- Why it is not prescribed
1. Overview
Xī Jiǎo Dì Huáng Tāng (犀角地黄汤) — Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction — 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 Jiǎo Dì Huáng Tāng 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:
- Xi Jiao (rhinoceros horn — illegal; replaced by Shui Niu Jiao) (animal product)
- Shui Niu Jiao (water buffalo horn substitute) (animal product)
- Sheng Di Huang (rehmannia)
- Mu Dan Pi (moutan)
- Chi Shao (red peony)
3. Traditional actions and indications
Traditional actions
- Clears Heat and cools the Blood
- Resolves toxicity and stops bleeding
Traditional indications
- Heat in the Blood with bleeding, rashes or mania
4. Plant-based alternatives
In my practice I use plant-based formulas in place of Xī Jiǎo Dì Huáng Tāng. Depending on the TCM pattern, suitable alternatives include water buffalo horn (Shui Niu Jiao) with Sheng Di Huang, Mu Dan Pi and Chi Shao — a fully plant-and-buffalo version. Read more about Chinese herbal medicine or book an online herbal consultation.
5. Why it is not prescribed
Xī Jiǎo Dì Huáng Tāng 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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