☯ TCM Properties
Dispels Wind-(Dampness), controls pain and strengthens the sinews and bones; Disperses Wind-Cold
Traditional Chinese Uses
Hu Gu, tiger bone from Panthera tigris, is a pungent, salty, warm substance of the Liver and Kidney channels recorded in classical materia medica to dispel Wind-Dampness, strongly strengthen the sinews and bones, and stop pain — used historically for chronic Wind-Damp bi syndrome, weak or aching lower back and knees, and joint pain with underlying Kidney and Liver deficiency, as in the classic formula Hu Qian Wan.
This is presented for historical and educational reference only. The tiger is a CITES Appendix I species and its trade is banned internationally; China prohibited domestic tiger-bone trade in 1993. Sourcing or using tiger bone is illegal and drives poaching of a critically endangered animal. Modern practice substitutes cultivated botanicals for the same actions, and this substance must not be sought or used.
Botanical Description
Hu Gu is the bone of the tiger, principally derived from Panthera tigris L. (Felidae), the largest cat species, with the leg and shin bones traditionally preferred. The bones are dense, heavy, and yellow-white to greyish, with characteristic medullary cavities; classical sources describe them as sweet, acrid, and warm, with the function of expelling wind, alleviating pain, strengthening sinews and bones, and calming fright. Hu Gu was a principal ingredient in classical formulas such as Hu Gu Jiu (tiger-bone liquor) and Hu Qian Wan, used for chronic wind-damp obstruction, atrophy, weakness, and tremor. All tiger subspecies are listed on CITES Appendix I, and the People's Republic of China prohibited domestic trade in tiger bone for medicinal use in 1993. Contemporary TCM substitutes Gou Gu (dog bone), Niu Gu (cattle bone), or specifically formulated synthetic and herbal substitutes; genuine Hu Gu is illegal in virtually all jurisdictions and its use is incompatible with modern conservation ethics.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
⚠ Safety & Contraindications
Safety Warnings
- Tiger bone: illegal to trade or dispense. Historic substitutes include Gou Gu (dog bone) or artificial preparations.
Regulatory Status
- CITES Appendix I — international trade prohibited; tiger bone banned in China (1993).
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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