Wǔ Líng Zhī (五灵脂) — flying-squirrel faeces
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 Pu Huang, Yan Hu Suo and Dang Gui.
On this page
1. Overview
Wǔ Líng Zhī (五灵脂) — flying-squirrel faeces (Trogopteri Faeces) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that invigorate Blood. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Wǔ Líng Zhī 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 | Wǔ Líng Zhī |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 五灵脂 |
| Source | flying-squirrel faeces (Trogopteri Faeces) |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Bitter, sweet |
| Channels entered | Liver |
| Traditional category | Invigorate Blood |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Wǔ Líng Zhī was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Invigorates the Blood and dispels stasis
- Stops pain
- Transforms stasis to stop bleeding
Traditional indications
- Painful periods and masses from stasis
- Fixed stabbing pain
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Wǔ Líng Zhī, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Pu Huang, Yan Hu Suo and Dang Gui. 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 Wǔ Líng Zhī 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 Wǔ Líng Zhī
Wǔ Líng Zhī appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
- Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang —
- Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang — Lower-Abdomen Blood Stasis
- Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang — Drive Out Blood Stasis from a Painful Body
- Shi Xiao San — Sudden Smile Powder
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