Antelope's horn (Lingyangjiao)

Pharmaceutical Name: Cornus Saigae Tataricae.

Zoological Name: Saiga tatarica L.

Common Name: Antelope’s horn.

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing.

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The antelope’s horn is sawn off in autumn and ground into powder or cut into very thin slices.

Properties & Taste: Salty and cold.

Meridians: Liver and heart.

Functions: 1. To pacify the liver and subdue endogenous wind; 2. To clear liver fire and brighten the eyes; 3. To clear heat and release toxins.

1. Endogenous wind due to extreme heat manifested as high fever, spasms and convulsions: Antelope’s horn (Lingyangjiao) is used with Uncaria stem (Gouteng), Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua) and Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang) in the formula Lingjiao Gouteng Tang.

2. Hyperactivity of liver yang manifested as dizziness, distending sensation in the head and blurred vision: Antelope’s horn (Lingyangjiao) is used with Sea-ear shell (Shijueming), Prunella spike (Xiakucao) and Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua).

3. Flaring up of liver fire manifested as red eyes, painful and swollen eyes and headache: Antelope’s horn (Lingyangjiao) is used with Capejasmine (Zhizi), Chinese gentian (Longdancao) and Cassia seed (Juemingzi) in the formula Lingyangjiao San.

4. High fever, loss of consciousness, delirium and mania: Antelope’s horn (Lingyangjiao) is used with Gypsum (Shigao) and Rhinoceros horn (Xijiao) in the formula Zixue Dan.

Dosage: 1-3 g; 0.3-0.5 g for powder.

Antler (Lujiao) is the ossified horn of a deer. Its taste is salty, its property warm. It enters the liver and kidney meridians. It tonifies the kidneys and strengthens yang. Although a weaker substitute for Pilose antler (Lurong), Antler (Lujiao) does invigorate the blood and reduce swelling. It is indicated for boils, ulcers, swelling, mastitis, pain due to blood stagnation and pain of tendons, bones and lower

back. The recommended dosage is 5-10 g. Antler (Lujiao) is contraindicated during yin deficiency with excessive fire.

Antler glue (Lujiaojiao) is made from mature deer antlers. It is sweet, salty and warm, and enters the liver and kidney meridians, replenishing blood and essence and stopping bleeding. Antler glue (Lujiaojiao) is indicated for weakness of the body, vomiting, epistaxis, uterine bleeding, blood in the urine and yin boils. The recommended dosage is 5-10 g.

Deglued antler powder (Lujiaoshuang) is the residue from the process of preparing soft extract by cooking the deer horn for a long time. The astringent action of this substance is similar to that of Antler (Lujiao) but is less effective. Clinically, it is used mainly in cases of deficient kidney yang, deficiency and cold in the spleen and stomach, vomiting, poor appetite, frigidity, uterine bleeding, leukorrhagia, hemorrhage due to external injury, boils and ulcers. The recommended dosage is 10-15 g.