Ling Yang Jiao
Saiga tatarica Linnaeus
☯ TCM Properties
Calms the Liver and Extinguishes Wind; Clears Liver Heat and Brightens the Eyes; Calms the Liver and Subdues Yang; Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity; Cools the Blood and Dispels Stasis
Botanical Description
Ling Yang Jiao is the horn of the saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica), a small migratory bovid of the Central Asian steppes recognised by its bulbous downward-pointing snout adapted to filtering dust and warming inhaled air. Only adult males bear horns: paired, slightly lyre-shaped, pale amber to translucent yellowish-white, 20-30 cm long, with prominent transverse ridges on the lower two-thirds and a smooth tapered tip. Saiga populations have collapsed by more than 95% since the 1990s due to poaching for horn and periodic mass mortality events, and the species is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and on CITES Appendix II with zero export quotas from most range states. Substitutes using goat or domestic antelope horn are common in modern Chinese pharmacy. This is an animal product, not a plant.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Ling Yang Jiao (antelope horn, saiga antelope horn) is a cold substance used in Chinese medicine to calm Liver Yang, clear Liver Fire, and extinguish internal Wind. It is one of the most powerful herbs for calming convulsions, tremors, and febrile seizures — manifestations of internal Liver Wind. It also clears intense Heat from the Qi and Blood levels for high fever with delirium, and brightens the eyes for conditions from Liver Heat. Due to saiga antelope's endangered status, its use is now highly restricted and clinical alternatives are sought.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
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.