Xī Jiǎo (犀角) — rhinoceros 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.
This substance comes from an endangered or protected species and cannot be legally prescribed in the UK. The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) prohibits the use of any endangered species, and trade is restricted under CITES.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include Shui Niu Jiao (water buffalo horn), Sheng Di Huang and Mu Dan Pi.
On this page
1. Overview
Xī Jiǎo (犀角) — rhinoceros horn (Rhinoceri 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 Xī 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 | Xī Jiǎo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 犀角 |
| Source | rhinoceros horn (Rhinoceri Cornu) |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter, salty |
| Channels entered | Heart, Liver, Stomach |
| Traditional category | Clear heat, cool Blood |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Xī 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
- Settles tremors from heat
Traditional indications
- High fever with bleeding or rashes
- Delirium from heat in the Blood
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Xī Jiǎo, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Shui Niu Jiao (water buffalo horn), Sheng Di Huang and Mu Dan Pi. 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
Xī Jiǎo is from an endangered or protected species. It cannot be legally prescribed in the UK, and trade is restricted internationally under CITES. 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 Xī Jiǎo
Xī Jiǎo appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
- Qing Wen Bai Du Yin — Clear Epidemics & Eliminate Toxin Decoction
- Qing Ying Tang —
- Xī Jiǎo Dì Huáng Tāng — Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction
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