Dragon's bone (Longgu)

Pharmaceutical Name: Os draconis

Zoological Name: 1. Stegodon orientalis; 2. Rhinocerus senensia

Common Name: Dragon’s bone, Fossilized bone

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing.

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The fossilized vertebrae and other bones of ancient large mammals, such as Rhinocerus or Rechistaric reptiles, are collected and broken into pieces.

Properties & Taste: Sweet, astringent and slightly cold.

Meridians: Heart and liver.

Functions: 1. To pacify the liver and subdue the yang; 2. To calm the heart and soothe the mind; 3. To relieve leukorrhea and arrest seminal emissions or sweating

1. Deficient yin of the liver and kidneys with hyperactive yang of the liver manifested as dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision or irritability. Dragon’s bone (Longgu) is used with Oyster shell (Muli), Red ochre (Daizheshi) and White peony root (Baishao) in the formula Zhengan Xifeng Tang.

2. Seminal emissions due to deficient kidneys. Dragon’s bone (Longgu) is used with Oyster shell (Muli), Flattened milkvetch seed (Shayuanzi) and Euryale seed (Qianshi).

3. Palpitations and insomnia. Dragon’s bone (Longgu) is used with Oyster shell (Muli), Polygala

root (Yuanzhi) and Wild jujube seed (Suanzaoren).

4. Leukorrhea due to deficient kidneys. Dragon’s bone (Longgu) is used with Oyster shell (Muli), Dioscorea (Shanyao) and Cuttlefish bone (Wuzeigu).

5. Spontaneous sweating and night sweating. Dragon’s bone (Longgu) is used with Oyster shell (Muli) and Schisandra fruit (Wuweizi).

Dosage: 15-30 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb should be cooked before adding other herbs.