Chán Sū (蟾酥) — toad venom
Information only — not used or prescribed at this clinic. This page documents a traditional animal-derived substance 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 is a toxic substance that is not prescribed in modern UK practice.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include Shi Chang Pu and plant analgesics.
On this page
1. Overview
Chán Sū (蟾酥) — toad venom (Bufonis Venenum) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that open the orifices. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Chán Sū or any other animal product; I prescribe plant and mineral herbs in their place, matched to each patient's TCM pattern.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Chán Sū |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 蟾酥 |
| Source | toad venom (Bufonis Venenum) |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels entered | Heart |
| Traditional category | Open the orifices |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Chán Sū was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Opens the orifices and revives consciousness
- Resolves toxicity and stops pain
Traditional indications
- Collapse with loss of consciousness
- Painful toxic swellings
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Chán Sū, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Shi Chang Pu and plant analgesics. The right choice always depends on the individual TCM pattern identified in consultation. Read more about Chinese herbal medicine or book an online herbal consultation.
5. Why it is not prescribed
Chán Sū is a toxic substance and is not prescribed in modern UK practice. All Chinese herbs 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.
Formulas containing Chán Sū
Chán Sū appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
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