Lù Jiǎo (鹿角) — deer antler
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 Yin Yang Huo, Ba Ji Tian and Du Zhong.
On this page
1. Overview
Lù Jiǎo (鹿角) — deer antler (Cervi Cornu) — 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 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 |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 鹿角 |
| Source | deer antler (Cervi Cornu) |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Salty |
| Channels entered | Kidney, Liver |
| Traditional category | Tonify Yang |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Lù Jiǎo was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Invigorates the Blood and reduces swelling
- Tonifies the Governing vessel
Traditional indications
- Kidney Yang deficiency
- Sores and swellings from deficiency
- Sore, cold lower back and knees
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Lù Jiǎo, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Yin Yang Huo, Ba Ji Tian 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 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
Lù Jiǎo appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
- Guī Lù Èr Xiān Jiāo — Tortoise Shell and Deer Antler Syrup
- Nei Bu Wan — Internal Tonification Pill
- Yang He Tang — Harmonise Yang Decoction
- You Gui Wan —
- Yu Lin Zhu — Jade Unicorn Pill
- Zan Yu Dan — Special Pill to Aid Fertility
- Zuo Gui Wan —
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
