Shān Yáng Jiǎo (山羊角) — goat 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.
Although it may be used by some practitioners, I do not prescribe any animal-derived substances.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include Gou Teng and Ju Hua.
On this page
1. Overview
Shān Yáng Jiǎo (山羊角) — goat horn (Naemorhedi 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 Shān 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 | Shān Yáng Jiǎo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 山羊角 |
| Source | goat horn (Naemorhedi Cornu) |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Salty |
| Channels entered | Liver |
| Traditional category | Extinguish wind |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Shān 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
- Calms fright and settles tremor
Traditional indications
- Headache and dizziness from Liver heat
- Convulsions and fright
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Shān Yáng Jiǎo, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Gou Teng 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
Although Shān Yáng Jiǎo 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.
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