Shuǐ Niú Jiǎo (水牛角) — water buffalo 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 Sheng Di Huang, Mu Dan Pi and Chi Shao.
On this page
1. Overview
Shuǐ Niú Jiǎo (水牛角) — water buffalo horn (Bubali Cornu) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that clear heat, cool Blood. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Shuǐ Niú 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 | Shuǐ Niú Jiǎo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 水牛角 |
| Source | water buffalo horn (Bubali Cornu) |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter, salty |
| Channels entered | Heart, Liver |
| Traditional category | Clear heat, cool Blood |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Shuǐ Niú Jiǎo was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Clears Heat and cools the Blood
- Resolves toxicity and calms the spirit
Traditional indications
- Heat in the Blood with rashes or bleeding
- High fever with agitation
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Shuǐ Niú Jiǎo, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Sheng Di Huang, Mu Dan Pi and Chi Shao. 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 Shuǐ Niú 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.
Formulas containing Shuǐ Niú Jiǎo
Shuǐ Niú Jiǎo appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
- Niú Huáng Qīng Xīn Wán — Cattle Gallstone Heart-Clearing Pill
- Qing Wen Bai Du Yin — Clear Epidemics & Eliminate Toxin Decoction
- Qing Ying Tang —
- Xī Jiǎo Dì Huáng Tāng — Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction
- Zhì Bǎo Dān — Greatest Treasure Special Pill
- Zǐ Xuě Dān — Purple Snow Elixir
- Ān Gōng Niú Huáng Wán — Calm the Palace Pill with Cattle Gallstone
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
