Niú Huáng (牛黄) — ox gallstone (bezoar)
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.
Although it may be used by some practitioners, I do not prescribe any animal-derived substances.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include Huang Lian, Lian Qiao and synthetic bezoar.
On this page
1. Overview
Niú Huáng (牛黄) — ox gallstone (bezoar) (Bovis Calculus) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that clear heat. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Niú Huáng 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 | Niú Huáng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 牛黄 |
| Source | ox gallstone (bezoar) (Bovis Calculus) |
| Nature | Cool |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels entered | Heart, Liver |
| Traditional category | Clear heat |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Niú Huáng was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity
- Opens the orifices
- Extinguishes wind and stops tremors
Traditional indications
- High fever with delirium
- Convulsions
- Sore throat and mouth ulcers
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Niú Huáng, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Huang Lian, Lian Qiao and synthetic bezoar. 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
Although Niú Huáng may be used by some practitioners, I do not prescribe any animal-derived substances; plant and mineral herbs are used instead. 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 Niú Huáng
Niú Huáng appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
- Liù Shén Wán — Six Spirits Pill
- Niú Huáng Jiě Dú Wán — Cattle Gallstone Toxin-Resolving Pill
- Niú Huáng Qīng Xīn Wán — Cattle Gallstone Heart-Clearing Pill
- Piàn Zǎi Huáng — Pien Tze Huang
- Shè Xiāng Bǎo Xīn Wán — Musk Heart-Protecting Pill
- Xī Huáng Wán — Bezoar and Musk Toxin-Resolving Pill
- Zhì Bǎo Dān — Greatest Treasure Special Pill
- Ān Gōng Niú Huáng Wán — Calm the Palace Pill with Cattle Gallstone
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