Wū Shāo Shé (乌梢蛇) — black-tail snake
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 Qin Jiao, Sang Zhi and Fang Feng.
On this page
1. Overview
Wū Shāo Shé (乌梢蛇) — black-tail snake (Zaocys) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that dispel wind. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Wū Shāo Shé 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 | Wū Shāo Shé |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 乌梢蛇 |
| Source | black-tail snake (Zaocys) |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Liver |
| Traditional category | Dispel wind |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Wū Shāo Shé was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Dispels wind and unblocks the channels
- Stops spasms and relieves itching
Traditional indications
- Wind-damp joint pain and numbness
- Stubborn skin conditions with itching
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Wū Shāo Shé, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Qin Jiao, Sang Zhi and Fang Feng. 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 Wū Shāo Shé 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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