Hu Gu
Unknown
☯ TCM Properties
Dispels Wind-(Dampness), controls pain and strengthens the sinews and bones; Disperses Wind-Cold
Botanical Description
Hu Gu is the bone of the tiger, principally derived from Panthera tigris L. (Felidae), the largest cat species, with the leg and shin bones traditionally preferred. The bones are dense, heavy, and yellow-white to greyish, with characteristic medullary cavities; classical sources describe them as sweet, acrid, and warm, with the function of expelling wind, alleviating pain, strengthening sinews and bones, and calming fright. Hu Gu was a principal ingredient in classical formulas such as Hu Gu Jiu (tiger-bone liquor) and Hu Qian Wan, used for chronic wind-damp obstruction, atrophy, weakness, and tremor. All tiger subspecies are listed on CITES Appendix I, and the People's Republic of China prohibited domestic trade in tiger bone for medicinal use in 1993. Contemporary TCM substitutes Gou Gu (dog bone), Niu Gu (cattle bone), or specifically formulated synthetic and herbal substitutes; genuine Hu Gu is illegal in virtually all jurisdictions and its use is incompatible with modern conservation ethics.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.