Líng Yáng Jiǎo (羚羊角) — antelope horn
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 Teng, Shi Jue Ming and Ju Hua.
On this page
1. Overview
Líng Yáng Jiǎo (羚羊角) — antelope horn (Saigae Tataricae Cornu) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that extinguish wind. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Líng Yáng Jiǎo 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 | Líng Yáng Jiǎo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 羚羊角 |
| Source | antelope horn (Saigae Tataricae Cornu) |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Salty |
| Channels entered | Liver, Heart |
| Traditional category | Extinguish wind |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Líng Yáng Jiǎo was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Clears the Liver and extinguishes wind
- Clears Liver fire and brightens the eyes
- Clears Heat and cools the Blood
Traditional indications
- High fever with convulsions and tremor
- Red, painful eyes and severe headache
- Heat in the Blood with rashes
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Líng Yáng Jiǎo, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Gou Teng, Shi Jue Ming and Ju Hua. 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
Líng Yáng Jiǎo 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 Líng Yáng Jiǎo
Líng Yáng Jiǎo appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
- Líng Jiǎo Gōu Téng Tāng — Antelope Horn and Uncaria Decoction
- Niú Huáng Qīng Xīn Wán — Cattle Gallstone Heart-Clearing Pill
- Zǐ Xuě Dān — Purple Snow Elixir
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