English: Dragon bones
Chinese: 龙骨
Use of Long Gu (dragon bones) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: No processing needed other than to extract the bone or vertebrae from the site where it was found. Also, this ingredient should be cooked for 30 - 45 minutes before the other herbs are added in a formula.
Dosage: 15 - 30 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Calms the spirit. Anchors ascendant Liver Yang. Stops leakage of Bodily Fluids.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Long Gu may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Palpitations Restlessness Insomnia Emotional outbursts Dizziness Blurred vision Abnormal uterine bleeding Night sweats Urinary incontinence Vaginal discharge
Contraindications*: This herb should not be used by those with symptoms of Damp-Heat.
Common TCM formulas in which Long Gu is used*
Zhen Zhu Mu Wan
Source date: 1132 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Formula key actions: Nourishes the Yin and Blood . Sedates the Heart and calms the Mind . Calms the Liver. Anchors the yang.
Conditions targeted*: EpilepsyCataract and others
Long Gu is a king ingredient in Zhen Zhu Mu Wan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Zhen Zhu Mu Wan, Long Gu is astringent, slightly cooling and heavy in nature. It calms the Liver and the Mind, and anchor the overactive Yang.
Feng Yin Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Formula key actions: Extinguishes and pacifies Wind with heavy medicinals. Calms the Mind. Clears Heat.
Conditions targeted*: EpilepsyStroke and others
Long Gu is a king ingredient in Feng Yin Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Feng Yin Tang, Long Gu is heavy in nature and is used to pacify the Wind. It also calm the Mind.
Sang Piao Xiao San
Source date: 1116 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Formula key actions: Regulates and tonifies the Heart and Kidneys. Stabilizes the Essence. Stops leakage.
Conditions targeted*: Pediatric enuresisDiabetes and others
Long Gu is a deputy ingredient in Sang Piao Xiao San. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Sang Piao Xiao San, Long Gu helps the key ingredient (Mantis Egg-case) in binding up the Essence, calms the Mind, and steadies the Will.
Key TCM concepts behind Long Gu's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Long Gu belongs to the 'Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit' category. These herbs are substances that tranquilize the Mind and treat symptoms such as restlessness, palpitations, anxiety or insomnia. They tend to have sedative properties by weighing the Qi downwards and should generally be used for a limited time only.
Furthermore Long Gu is Neutral in nature. This means that Long Gu typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of Long Gu means that you don't have to worry about that!
Long Gu also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Long Gu tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Long Gu is thought to target the Heart, the Kidney and the Liver. In addition to regulating Blood flow, in TCM the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality. The Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.