Shé Dǎn (蛇胆) — snake gallbladder (bile)
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 Chuan Bei Mu, Pi Pa Ye and Gua Lou.
On this page
1. Overview
Shé Dǎn (蛇胆) — snake gallbladder (bile) (Serpentis Fel) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that clear heat, transform phlegm. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Shé Dǎn 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 | Shé Dǎn |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 蛇胆 |
| Source | snake gallbladder (bile) (Serpentis Fel) |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter, sweet |
| Channels entered | Liver, Lung |
| Traditional category | Clear heat, transform phlegm |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Shé Dǎn was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Clears Heat and transforms phlegm
- Stops cough and calms wheezing
- Clears the Liver and brightens the eyes
Traditional indications
- Cough with thick yellow phlegm from Lung heat
- Childhood convulsions
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Shé Dǎn, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Chuan Bei Mu, Pi Pa Ye and Gua Lou. 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 Shé Dǎn is not used in my practice, 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 Shé Dǎn
Shé Dǎn appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
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