Xióng Dǎn (熊胆) — bear 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.
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 Huang Qin, Long Dan Cao and Ju Hua.
On this page
1. Overview
Xióng Dǎn (熊胆) — bear bile (Ursi Fellis) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that clear heat, resolve toxicity. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Xióng 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 | Xióng Dǎn |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 熊胆 |
| Source | bear bile (Ursi Fellis) |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels entered | Liver, Gallbladder, Heart |
| Traditional category | Clear heat, resolve toxicity |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Xióng Dǎn was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity
- Calms the Liver and stops tremors
- Clears the Liver and benefits the eyes
Traditional indications
- Heat with convulsions
- Red, painful eyes
- Painful swellings
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Xióng Dǎn, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Huang Qin, Long Dan Cao and Ju Hua. 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
Xióng Dǎn 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.
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