Chuān Shān Jiǎ (穿山甲) — pangolin scales
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 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 Wang Bu Liu Xing, Lu Lu Tong and Tao Ren.
On this page
1. Overview
Chuān Shān Jiǎ (穿山甲) — pangolin scales (Manis Squama) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that invigorate Blood. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Chuān Shān Jiǎ 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 | Chuān Shān Jiǎ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 穿山甲 |
| Source | pangolin scales (Manis Squama) |
| Nature | Cool |
| Flavour | Salty |
| Channels entered | Liver, Stomach |
| Traditional category | Invigorate Blood |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Chuān Shān Jiǎ was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Invigorates the Blood and unblocks the channels
- Promotes lactation
- Reduces swelling and expels pus
Traditional indications
- Blood stasis and masses
- Insufficient lactation
- Sores and abscesses
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Chuān Shān Jiǎ, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Wang Bu Liu Xing, Lu Lu Tong and Tao Ren. 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
Chuān Shān Jiǎ is from an endangered or protected species. It cannot be legally prescribed in the UK, and trade is restricted internationally under CITES. 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 Chuān Shān Jiǎ
Chuān Shān Jiǎ appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
- Fu Yuan Huo Xue Tang — Trauma & Blood Stasis Decoction
- Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin — Immortals’ Life-Preserving Decoction
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