☯ TCM Properties
Tonifies the Kidneys and strengthens Yang
Traditional Chinese Uses
Gou Shen is the testes and penis of the domestic dog, Canis lupus familiaris, a neutral animal substance entering the Kidney channel. Following the traditional principle of "like treats like," it is classified among Yang tonics and used to tonify the Kidneys and strengthen Yang, addressing Kidney-Yang deficiency presenting as impotence, weak erection, spermatorrhea, cold and soreness of the lower back and knees, and infertility with a cold-deficient basis. It is typically prepared dried and powdered or steeped in medicinal wine.
This is an animal-derived substance of limited use in contemporary practice; it is contraindicated in Yin-deficiency with Heat and in the presence of Damp-Heat. Where a Kidney-Yang tonic is needed, botanical alternatives (e.g., Yin Yang Huo, Rou Cong Rong, Bu Gu Zhi) are generally preferred.
Botanical Description
Gou Shen is not a plant but an internal organ of the domestic dog, Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus (family Canidae). The pinyin term shen (literally "kidney") is used in classical Chinese materia medica to denote either the kidney proper or, by traditional extension, the testicle of male animals, and both interpretations are recorded for this entry. The substance consists of the fresh or dried organ collected at slaughter, cleaned of fat and surrounding tissue, and prepared by drying, roasting, or steaming. Dried specimens are dark brownish-red, shrivelled, and odoriferous. The substance has a strongly warm, salty character in traditional categorisation and is a minor, largely historical item in the Chinese materia medica.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | — | — | — |
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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