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. |
