Gui Lu Er Xian Jiao
Star龟鹿二仙胶 (Tortoise Shell and Deer Antler Syrup)
Source: Yi Bian — Wang San-Cai (1587)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Gui Lu Er Xian Jiao (Tortoise Shell and Deer Antler Syrup), from the Yi Bian (Ordinary Medicine) by Wang San-Cai.
Actions: Replenishes yin and tonifies jing (essence); Benefits qi and strengthens Kidney yang.
Presentation: Kidney yin and yang deficiencies with blood and jing deficiencies of the du and ren channels: weight loss, seminal emissions, impotence, dizziness, blurred vision, and soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees.
Cautions:
- Use with caution in Spleen and/or Stomach deficiency
- Contraindicated with interior heat or yang rising
Pharmacological effects reported:
- Modified formula reported to have adaptogenic, antihyperlipidemic and immunologic effects
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 687.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gui Ban
dose printed as 2,400g; as printed: Gui Ban (Plastrum Testudinis) 2,400g
|
g | — | Jun (Chief) | enters the ren channel and tonifies yin |
|
Lu Jiao
dose printed as 4,800g; as printed: Mi Lu Jiao (Cornu Elaphuri) 4,800g
|
g | — | Jun (Chief) | enters the du channel and tonifies yang |
|
Ren Shen
as printed: Ren Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng) 450g
|
450g | 33.33% | tonifies yuan (source) qi | |
|
Gou Qi Zi
as printed: Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii) 900g
|
900g | 66.67% | nourishes yin |
Dui Yao — Core Herb Pairs
The classical two-herb combinations at the heart of this formula, as recorded on the herbs' own pages — each pair has an action neither herb has alone.
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net nature not shown: the chief herb (Gui Ban, Lu Jiao) has no dose in grams.
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: neutral 67%, warm 33%.
Taste
- sweet 83%
- bitter 17%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 100%
- Kidney 100%
- Liver 67%
- Spleen 33%
- Heart 33%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
2 herbs without a dose in grams, so left out of every figure above: Gui Ban, Lu Jiao.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Use fresh horn of Pere David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus), not elk/red deer. Cut Mi Lu Jiao and crush Gui Ban, soak 3 days in running water, then simmer 7 days to a concentrate; separately concentrate Ren Shen and Gou Qi Zi; combine and simmer on low heat into a syrup that crystallizes in drops. Take 4.5-9g every morning on an empty stomach with grain-based alcohol or lightly salted water.
Relationships
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Formula Network
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Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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