Niu Huang
Bos taurus domesticus Gmelin
โฏ TCM Properties
Opens the Heart Orifices; Resolves Phlegm; Cools the Liver and extinguishes Wind; Arrests Convulsions; Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity
Botanical Description
Niu Huang (calculus bovis) is not a plant but a zoological product: the dried biliary or gallstone concretion formed in the gallbladder, bile ducts, or occasionally the liver of cattle (Bos taurus domesticus). Naturally occurring stones are irregular, ovoid to spherical, 0.6-4.5 cm across, yellow-brown to reddish-brown, light and friable, with a layered concentric structure and a fine, bitter, slightly sweet, cooling taste. Stones consist largely of bilirubin, cholesterol, bile acids, and calcium salts. Because natural Niu Huang is rare and costly, the great majority of commercial supply is now synthetic Niu Huang, compounded from bovine bile constituents, or in-vitro cultured bezoar (Wikipedia; NCBI).
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Fu Long Gan (hearth earth, stove center earth) is a warm, astringent substance taken from the center of traditional clay cooking stoves, valued for its ability to warm the middle burner and stop certain types of bleeding and vomiting. It is particularly indicated for vomiting and diarrhea from Spleen-Stomach cold, uterine bleeding and heavy menstruation due to Spleen Qi deficiency, and morning sickness. Its warming, settling quality makes it a classical remedy for cold-type digestive and bleeding disorders.
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.