Lóng Gǔ (龙骨) — Dragon Bone / Fossilised bone

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Lóng Gǔ (龙骨) — Os Draconis (fossilised bone mineral) — is known in English as Dragon Bone / Fossilised bone. It belongs to the category of Herbs that calm the Spirit in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Lóng Gǔ as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Settles the Heart and calms the Mind — the most important mineral for anxiety and palpitations
2. Anchors the Liver Yang and prevents it from rising
3. Astringes and prevents leakage of fluids — stops sweating, spermatorrhoea and leucorrhoea
4. Promotes healing of ulcers and sores (topical)

Indications

1. Anxiety, palpitations, restlessness and insomnia from Heart disturbance and Liver Yang rising
2. Hypertension from Liver Yang rising — combined with Mu Li
3. Spermatorrhoea, premature ejaculation and urinary incontinence from Kidney Qi not holding
4. Night sweats and spontaneous sweating
5. Epilepsy and convulsions from Liver Wind

4. Key formulas containing Lóng Gǔ

Lóng Gǔ appears in the following key formulas:

• Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
• Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Long Gu (Dragon Bone, fossilised mammalian bone) is composed primarily of calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate and trace minerals including iron, potassium, sodium and aluminium. The therapeutic action is attributed to its calcium content and the complex mineral matrix. Research confirms sedative and anxiolytic effects in animal models, anti-convulsant properties and blood pressure-lowering effects. The mineral matrix is thought to act as a natural calcium channel modulator. Long Gu is almost always combined with Mu Li (Oyster Shell), another mineral-rich astringent, as the combination Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid in patients with external pathogenic conditions as the astringent nature may retain the pathogen. Long-term high-dose use may cause digestive stagnation — combine with Qi-moving herbs if used over extended periods.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Lóng Gǔ as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Anxiety, Insomnia, High blood pressure, Male infertility. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

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