Lu Gen
Cervus nippon Temminck; Cervus elaphus Linnaeus
โฏ TCM Properties
Tonifies Deficiency and Strengthens the Body; Strengthens the Sinews and Bones; Dispels Wind-Dampness; Stops Dysentery; Promotes Tissue Regeneration and Heals Sores
Botanical Description
This material, known in Chinese medicine as Lu Jiao (and sometimes recorded under the variant title Lu Gen for the mature antler form), is the fully ossified, hardened, naturally shed or harvested antler of male sika deer (Cervus nippon) or red deer (Cervus elaphus). Unlike Lu Rong, which is the soft growing velvet antler, the mature antler is bone-hard, branched, pale grey-brown to ivory, with a rough longitudinally grooved surface and a porous internal structure. It is typically sawn into segments and either used whole, powdered, or decocted into a gelatinous glue (Lu Jiao Jiao) or processed into an ash residue (Lu Jiao Shuang). This is an animal product, not a plant.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Lu Gen (deer bone) โ when used in this sense as a bone tonic โ is a warm substance used in Chinese medicine to strengthen the bones and marrow, nourish the Kidney, and relieve cold-type joint pain. It is used for chronic weakness with fragile bones, joint stiffness and pain worsened by cold, and debility after prolonged illness from Kidney deficiency. Prepared as a decoction, medicinal wine, or calcined powder, it provides deep nourishment for Kidney essence and bone marrow deficiency patterns.
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.