Lù Jiǎo Jiāo (鹿角胶) — deer antler gelatin
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.
I do not use this substance on animal-welfare grounds, and it is not prescribed in my practice. Related species are also restricted under endangered-species and welfare rules.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include Shu Di Huang, Dang Gui and Du Zhong.
On this page
1. Overview
Lù Jiǎo Jiāo (鹿角胶) — deer antler gelatin (Cervi Cornus Colla) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that tonify Yang. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Lù Jiǎo Jiāo 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 | Lù Jiǎo Jiāo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 鹿角胶 |
| Source | deer antler gelatin (Cervi Cornus Colla) |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Sweet, salty |
| Channels entered | Kidney, Liver |
| Traditional category | Tonify Yang |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Lù Jiǎo Jiāo was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang and the Essence
- Nourishes the Blood
- Stops bleeding
Traditional indications
- Yang and Essence deficiency
- Deficient cold bleeding
- Weak, cold lower back
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Lù Jiǎo Jiāo, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Shu Di Huang, Dang Gui and Du Zhong. 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
On animal-welfare grounds Lù Jiǎo Jiāo is not used in my practice, and endangered-species and welfare rules mean it is not prescribed in UK Chinese herbal 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 Lù Jiǎo Jiāo
Lù Jiǎo Jiāo appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
- Nei Bu Wan — Internal Tonification Pill
- Yang He Tang — Harmonise Yang Decoction
- You Gui Wan —
- Zan Yu Dan — Special Pill to Aid Fertility
- Zuo Gui Wan —
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
