Hǔ Gǔ (虎骨) — tiger bone
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 Gou Ji, Xu Duan, Du Zhong and Sang Ji Sheng.
On this page
1. Overview
Hǔ Gǔ (虎骨) — tiger bone (Tigris Os) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that dispel wind-damp. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Hǔ Gǔ 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 | Hǔ Gǔ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 虎骨 |
| Source | tiger bone (Tigris Os) |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid, sweet |
| Channels entered | Liver, Kidney |
| Traditional category | Dispel wind-damp |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Hǔ Gǔ was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Expels wind-damp and stops pain
- Strengthens the sinews and bones
Traditional indications
- Chronic painful joints
- Weak sinews and bones
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Hǔ Gǔ, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Gou Ji, Xu Duan, Du Zhong and Sang Ji Sheng. 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
Hǔ Gǔ 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 Hǔ Gǔ
Hǔ Gǔ appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
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