Rhinoceros horn (Xijiao)

Pharmaceutical Name : Cornu Rhinoceri

Zoological Name : 1. Rhinoceros unicornis L.; 2. Rhinoceros sondaicus Desmarest; 3. Rhinoceros sumatrensis (Fischer)

Common Name : Rhinoceros horn

Source of Earliest Record : Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations : The horn of the African rhinoceros is sawn into small pieces. Then, the pieces are steamed or boiled and cut into slices or ground into powder.

Properties & Taste: Bitter, salty and cold

Meridians : Heart, liver and stomach

Functions:
1. To clear heat and relieve convulsions;
2. To cool blood and release toxins

Indications & Combinations:

1. Hemorrhagic disease due to extravasation of blood by heat manifested as vomiting with blood, epistaxis and subcutaneous bleeding. Rhinoceros horn (Xijiao) is used with Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang), Moutan bark (Mudanpi) and Red peony (Chishao).

2. Fever, unconsciousness, delirium and convulsions. Rhinoceros horn (Xijiao) is used with Isatis leaf (Daqingye), Gypsum (Shigao) and Antelope's horn (Lingyangjiao).

Dosage: 1.5-6 g

Cautions & Contraindications: Rhinoceros horn should not be mixed with Wild aconite root (Caowu) and Monkshood root (Chuanwu), and it must be used with caution during pregnancy.

Note: Although rhinoceros horn is a traditional medicinal substance, its scarcity encourages the common substitution of water buffalo's horn.