Ingredient Animal — part (动物部分 dòng wù bù fèn)

Long Chi

Dragon's teeth (fossilized mammal teeth) · 龙齿

Fossilia Dentis Mastodi · Dens Draconis

Also known as: Dragon's Teeth, Fossilized Mammal Teeth, Qīng Lóng Chǐ (青龙齿, Blue-green Dragon's Teeth),

Long Chi (Dragon's teeth (fossilized mammal teeth)) plant

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Long Chi (Dragon's Teeth) is a fossilized tooth from ancient mammals, used in Chinese medicine primarily to calm the mind and ease anxiety. It is especially valued for treating insomnia with disturbing dreams, palpitations with nervousness, and childhood convulsions. Its cool, heavy nature helps settle an overactive mind and reduce restlessness.

Category Substances that anchor and calm the Spirit (重镇安神药)
Therapeutic focus Sleep Support Stress and Anxiety Nervous System Support Children's Health

TCM Properties

Temperature

Cool

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān), Astringent (涩 sè)

Channels entered

Heart, Liver

Parts used

Animal — part (动物部分 dòng wù bù fèn)

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Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

What This Ingredient Does

Every ingredient has a specific set of actions — here's what Long Chi does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, Long Chi is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Sleep Support Stress and Anxiety Nervous System Support Children's Health

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that Long Chi performs to restore balance in the body:

Calms the Spirit and Settles Fright Clears Heat and Eliminates Irritability Calms the Liver and Subdues Yang

How these actions work

'Settles fright and calms the spirit' is the primary action of Long Chi. As a heavy, mineral-fossil substance, it physically weighs down and anchors the spirit (Shen), which in TCM is housed in the Heart. When the spirit becomes unsettled due to fright, shock, or emotional turbulence, a person may experience palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, or even manic behaviour. Long Chi's dense, heavy nature presses downward on the Heart, helping to re-anchor the spirit. This is the core mechanism behind its use for insomnia with dream-disturbed sleep, palpitations with anxiety, childhood convulsions, and epilepsy. Compared to its close relative Long Gu (Dragon Bone), Long Chi is considered specifically superior for calming fright and settling the spirit.

'Clears Heat and eliminates irritability' reflects Long Chi's cool thermal nature. When Heat (especially Heart Fire) disturbs the spirit, it produces restlessness, irritability, a sensation of body heat, and difficulty sleeping. Long Chi's coolness helps clear this Heat from the Heart, calming the mind. This is why it appears in formulas treating children with high fevers accompanied by convulsions, or adults who feel feverish and agitated.

'Calms the Liver and subdues Yang' relates to Long Chi's channel entry into the Liver. When Liver Yin is insufficient, Liver Yang can rise unchecked, causing dizziness, headaches, irritability, and emotional volatility. Long Chi's heavy, descending nature pulls the rising Yang back down, restoring balance. This action is shared with Long Gu, though Long Chi is more focused on the spirit-calming aspect than on the astringent function.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Long Chi is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Long Chi addresses this pattern

When Heart Fire flares upward, it disturbs the spirit (Shen), leading to restlessness, anxiety, palpitations, and insomnia. Long Chi enters the Heart channel and has a cool thermal nature, allowing it to both clear Heart Heat and physically anchor the disturbed spirit through its heavy, mineral quality. Its astringent taste further helps to contain the spirit that has been scattered by excess Fire. This dual mechanism of cooling and weighing down makes Long Chi particularly suited for Heart Fire patterns where the mind is agitated.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Heart Palpitations With Anxiety

Palpitations with a feeling of nervousness or dread

Insomnia

Difficulty falling or staying asleep, with restless dreaming

Irritability

Restlessness and mental agitation with heat sensation

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Long Chi is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Heart Fire blazing Heart Spirit Disturbance

TCM Interpretation

In TCM, sleep depends on the spirit (Shen) returning peacefully to the Heart at night. If the Heart is disturbed by Heat, fright, or emotional upheaval, the spirit cannot settle and the person cannot sleep. Insomnia with restless dreams, palpitations, and anxiety particularly points to a Heart-centred disturbance. When Liver Yang also rises, the agitation worsens, and the person may also experience irritability and a racing mind at bedtime.

Why Long Chi Helps

Long Chi directly addresses the mechanism of spirit disturbance through its heavy, fossil nature, which physically weighs down and anchors the unsettled spirit. Its cool temperature clears the Heat that often keeps the mind racing at night, while its entry into the Heart channel means it acts precisely where the spirit resides. For insomnia, it is commonly paired with nourishing herbs like Suan Zao Ren (Sour Jujube Seed) and Mai Dong (Ophiopogon) to both anchor the spirit and replenish the Blood and Yin that the spirit depends on for stability.

Also commonly used for

Heart Palpitations With Anxiety

Palpitations with nervousness, especially after fright

Dizziness

From Liver Yang rising

Night Sweats

Associated with restless spirit and Heat

Mania

Manic episodes and agitated mental states

Neurasthenia

Nervous exhaustion with insomnia and palpitations

Ingredient Properties

Every ingredient has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Cool

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān), Astringent (涩 sè)

Channels Entered

Heart Liver

Parts Used

Animal — part (动物部分 dòng wù bù fèn)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Long Chi — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

9–15g

Maximum dosage

Up to 30g in severe cases of acute fright, convulsions, or extreme restlessness, under practitioner supervision. Must be crushed and decocted first.

Dosage notes

Use raw Long Chi (生龙齿) when the primary goal is calming fright, settling convulsions, and clearing Heat-related restlessness. Use calcined Long Chi (煅龙齿) when the focus is on calming the spirit for insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, and palpitations, as calcining reduces the cool nature and enhances the settling, astringent quality. Standard decoction dose is 10–15g. For severe acute fright or convulsions, the dose may be increased. When used as powder (for direct ingestion rather than decoction), smaller amounts are appropriate. The mineral nature means extraction in decoction is limited (about 1.3% water-soluble content), so adequate decoction time after pre-boiling is important.

Preparation

Must be crushed into small pieces and decocted first (打碎先煎). Add to the pot 20–30 minutes before the other herbs to allow adequate extraction of its mineral components. Can also be ground into fine powder for direct ingestion or used in pills and powders. For calcined preparation (煅龙齿), heat the cleaned pieces in a crucible or over open flame until red-hot, then remove and allow to cool before crushing. A salt-quench method (盐淬) is also used: heat until red-hot, then immediately spray with salt water solution before cooling and crushing.

Processing Methods

In TCM, the same ingredient can be prepared in different ways to change its effects — here's how processing alters what Long Chi does

Processing method

Clean dragon's teeth pieces are placed in a fireproof crucible and calcined over strong fire until glowing red-hot throughout, then removed and allowed to cool before being crushed.

How it changes properties

Calcination moderates the cool nature of Long Chi, reducing its Heat-clearing capacity. The astringent quality becomes stronger after calcination. The texture becomes more brittle and easier to crush, improving extraction in decoction. The main action shifts from clearing Heat and settling fright toward calming the spirit and stabilising the mind (an shen ding zhi), with an enhanced astringent effect.

When to use this form

Use the calcined form (Duan Long Chi) when the primary goal is gentle spirit-calming for chronic conditions like persistent insomnia, mild palpitations, and frequent dreaming, especially when the acute Heat or fright component is less prominent. The raw form (Sheng Long Chi) is preferred when there is active Heat, high fever with convulsions, or acute manic states that require its full cooling and sedating force.

Common Ingredient Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with Long Chi for enhanced therapeutic effect

Suan Zao Ren
Suan Zao Ren Long Chi 15g : Suan Zao Ren 15-30g

Long Chi anchors and settles the spirit through its heavy, mineral nature, while Suan Zao Ren nourishes Heart Blood and Liver Yin to provide the substantial foundation the spirit needs for stability. Together they address both the root (Blood and Yin deficiency) and the manifestation (unsettled spirit) of insomnia with anxiety.

When to use: Insomnia with dream-disturbed sleep, palpitations, and anxiety, particularly when there is both spirit disturbance and underlying Blood deficiency.

Yuan Zhi
Yuan Zhi Long Chi 15g : Yuan Zhi 6-10g

Long Chi weighs down and anchors the spirit from above, while Yuan Zhi communicates between the Heart and Kidneys and opens the Heart orifices from within. Long Chi provides the heavy, calming force while Yuan Zhi clears Phlegm that may be misting the Heart and blocking the spirit's clarity. This creates a comprehensive approach to spirit disturbance.

When to use: Palpitations with anxiety, insomnia, and poor memory, especially when Heart-Kidney communication is impaired or when Phlegm clouds the mind.

Gou Teng
Gou Teng Long Chi 15g : Gou Teng 10g

Long Chi settles fright and anchors the spirit with its heavy nature, while Gou Teng clears Liver Heat and extinguishes internal Wind. Together they calm Liver Wind and settle convulsions more effectively than either alone, particularly in children.

When to use: Childhood convulsions, epilepsy with Liver Wind, or fright-induced spasms with restlessness and jerking movements.

Fu Shen
Fu Shen Long Chi 15g : Fu Shen 15g

Long Chi provides heavy, downward-pressing force to anchor the spirit, while Fu Shen gently calms the spirit by strengthening the Spleen and quieting the Heart through its bland, percolating nature. Long Chi controls the acute agitation while Fu Shen supports the Heart's ongoing capacity to house the spirit.

When to use: Insomnia and palpitations with both spirit disturbance and Spleen-Heart deficiency, where heavy sedation alone is insufficient without tonifying support.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

Long Gu
Long Chi vs Long Gu

Long Gu (Dragon Bone) and Long Chi (Dragon's Teeth) are both fossils that anchor and calm the spirit, but they have distinct strengths. Long Chi is superior for settling fright and calming the spirit, making it the better choice for palpitations with anxiety, insomnia, and convulsions. Long Gu, by contrast, has stronger astringent properties, making it more appropriate for conditions involving leakage such as spontaneous sweating, spermatorrhea, uterine bleeding, and chronic diarrhoea. Long Gu is also more commonly used for subduing Liver Yang in patterns like headache and dizziness. Additionally, Long Gu's thermal nature is classified as neutral (平) while Long Chi is cool (凉).

Mu Li
Long Chi vs Mu Li

Both Mu Li (Oyster Shell) and Long Chi are heavy, mineral-type substances used to calm the spirit and subdue Yang. Mu Li is more widely available (not endangered like fossil teeth), has a salty taste that softens hardness and dissipates nodules, and excels at subduing Liver Yang and treating conditions like goitre and scrofula. Long Chi is specifically stronger for settling fright and calming the Heart spirit in cases of anxiety and insomnia. When both anchoring Yang and calming the spirit are needed, practitioners often use Mu Li together with Long Gu rather than Long Chi.

Zhu Sha
Long Chi vs Zhu Sha

Both Zhu Sha (Cinnabar) and Long Chi are heavy substances that calm the spirit, but they differ significantly. Zhu Sha is cold and toxic (containing mercury), enters the Heart channel, and has a stronger sedating force, making it suitable for severe cases of Heart Fire with delirium or mania. However, it cannot be used long-term due to toxicity. Long Chi is cool but non-toxic, and can be used more safely for extended periods. Long Chi is better suited for milder spirit disturbance and cases where a gentler, sustained calming effect is preferred.

Common Substitutes & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Long Chi

Long Chi is sometimes confused with or substituted by several materials: 1. Dragon Tooth Bed (龙齿墩/牙床): The jaw bone attached to the teeth is of lower quality and should be removed. It is sometimes mixed in with or sold as Long Chi but has weaker therapeutic effect. 2. Sea creature teeth: The Ben Jing Feng Yuan warned that small teeth resembling bamboo shoot tips or finger-shapes may be sea fish teeth (海鳅齿), and clustered teeth resembling Guan Zhong roots may be seahorse teeth (海马齿). These also stick to the tongue but are different substances. 3. Long Gu (Dragon Bone): The fossilized bones are closely related but have different therapeutic emphasis. Long Gu has stronger astringent and essence-binding properties, while Long Chi specializes in calming fright and settling the spirit. They should not be used interchangeably when the specific action matters. 4. Modern mineral substitutes: Due to increasing scarcity and fossil protection regulations, Mu Li (Oyster Shell) is sometimes used as a functional substitute for the calming and settling properties, though it has different channel entries and additional phlegm-dissolving actions.

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any ingredient.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Long Chi

Non-toxic

Long Chi is classified as non-toxic in the Ming Yi Bie Lu (《别录》: "微寒，无毒" — slightly cold, non-toxic). Its primary constituents are inorganic minerals (calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate) with trace amounts of iron, potassium, sodium, and sulfate. These are stable, inert mineral compounds with no known toxic metabolites. The Yao Xing Lun (《药性论》) does note it has "slight toxicity" (有小毒), but this likely reflects the older convention of cautioning against the heavy, settling nature of mineral substances rather than indicating true chemical toxicity. No toxic reactions from standard dosage have been documented. The main safety concern is its heavy mineral nature potentially burdening a weak digestive system rather than any inherent toxicity.

Contraindications

Situations where Long Chi should not be used or requires extra caution

Caution

People with Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold patterns should use with caution, as Long Chi is cool in nature and its heavy, mineral quality can burden a weak digestive system.

Caution

Should not be used in cases where pathogenic factors (such as exterior conditions or excess Heat with active infection) have not yet been resolved. Its settling, anchoring nature may trap pathogens inside the body.

Caution

Classical texts note Long Chi is incompatible with Shi Gao (Gypsum). The Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu states it 'fears' (畏) Shi Gao, meaning the two should not be combined.

Caution

Classical sources also note it fears Gan Qi (dry lacquer), Shu Jiao (Sichuan pepper), and Li Shi (ite mineral), per the Lei Gong Pao Zhi Yao Xing Jie.

Classical Incompatibilities

Traditional Chinese pharmacological incompatibilities — herbs or substances to avoid combining with Long Chi

Long Chi does not appear on the Eighteen Incompatibilities (十八反) or Nineteen Mutual Fears (十九畏) lists. However, classical sources record specific substance interactions: the Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu states it 'fears' (畏) Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum), and the Lei Gong Pao Zhi Yao Xing Jie adds that it fears Gan Qi (dry lacquer), Shu Jiao (Sichuan pepper), and Li Shi (ite mineral). It is said to work well (得...良) with Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Niu Huang (Ox Gallstone).

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

No specific pregnancy contraindication is recorded in classical texts for Long Chi. However, as a heavy mineral sedative substance with a cool nature, it should be used with caution during pregnancy. The settling, downward-directing action of heavy mineral substances could theoretically affect the fetus. Use only under practitioner supervision and at the lowest effective dose if deemed necessary.

Breastfeeding

No specific contraindication for breastfeeding is documented in classical or modern sources. Long Chi's mineral composition (primarily calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate) is unlikely to transfer harmful substances through breast milk. However, its cool nature and heavy sedative properties suggest cautious use during lactation. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Children

Long Chi has a long history of use in pediatric conditions, particularly childhood fright seizures (小儿惊痫), febrile convulsions, and night terrors. Classical formulas like Long Chi San from the Sheng Hui Fang and Xiao Er Wei Sheng Zong Wei Lun Fang were specifically designed for children. Dosage should be reduced proportionally based on the child's age and weight, typically one-third to one-half of the adult dose. The herb should always be finely crushed and decocted first (先煎) to ensure adequate extraction. For very young children, powder form mixed into liquid may be more practical than decoction.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Long Chi

No well-documented pharmaceutical drug interactions have been established for Long Chi through clinical studies. Its primary constituents are calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate with trace minerals. Based on this mineral composition, the following theoretical interactions should be considered:

  • Calcium-sensitive medications: The high calcium content could theoretically affect absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolones, bisphosphonates, and thyroid medications (levothyroxine) if taken simultaneously. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
  • Cardiac glycosides (digoxin): Elevated calcium levels can potentiate the effects of cardiac glycosides, increasing the risk of toxicity. Use with caution in patients taking digoxin.
  • Sedative medications: Given Long Chi's traditional sedative and spirit-calming properties, there is a theoretical additive effect with pharmaceutical sedatives, anxiolytics, and sleep medications (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, zolpidem). Monitor for excessive sedation.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Long Chi

While taking Long Chi, avoid excessively cold and raw foods if the digestive system is weak, as the heavy mineral nature of this substance can further tax the Spleen and Stomach. Warm, easily digestible foods are preferred. Avoid strong tea and coffee close to the time of taking Long Chi, as these stimulants may counteract its calming, spirit-settling effects. If Long Chi is being used to treat insomnia or restlessness, reducing intake of spicy, greasy, and rich foods in the evening may support its therapeutic action.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Long Chi source animal

Long Chi (龙齿, Dragon's Teeth) is not a botanical product but a fossilized mineral substance. It consists of the petrified teeth of ancient large mammals from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras, including species such as three-toed horses (Hipparion), rhinoceroses, elephants (Stegodon), deer, cattle, and antelopes. These fossils formed over millions of years as the original organic tooth material was gradually replaced by minerals, primarily hydroxyapatite (calcium phosphate) and calcium carbonate.

The teeth retain their original anatomical shapes. Complete canine teeth appear conical, slightly curved, approximately 7cm long and 0.8–3.5cm in diameter, often hollow near the tip. Molar teeth are cylindrical or square-columned, slightly curved, ranging from 2–20cm in length. The surface may display remnants of the original enamel layer with a glossy, porcelain-like sheen. Those with a blue-grey or dark brown surface are called "Blue Dragon's Teeth" (青龙齿), while yellowish-white specimens are called "White Dragon's Teeth" (白龙齿).

These fossils are excavated from sedimentary deposits in river valleys, cave systems, and loess plateaus, typically found alongside Long Gu (Dragon Bone, fossilized skeletal remains). They are concentrated in areas of northern and central China where large Pleistocene mammal populations once thrived.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Long Chi is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Can be excavated year-round (全年均可采挖), though market sourcing data suggests peak collection occurs around April to May.

Primary growing regions

Long Chi is excavated (not cultivated) from fossil-bearing geological deposits. The primary producing regions are Shanxi, Henan, and Shaanxi provinces at the intersection of these three provinces along both banks of the Yellow River, with Shanxi providing the largest quantities. Additional sources include Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Sichuan, and Hebei provinces. The Bie Lu recorded it as originating from "Jin territory" (present-day Shanxi) and around Mount Tai. Historically, the highest quality material was associated with the loess plateau regions of northern China where dense Pleistocene mammal populations left abundant fossil deposits.

Quality indicators

Good quality Long Chi should be complete tooth-shaped pieces without attached jaw bone (牙床). The best specimens are those classified as Blue Dragon's Teeth (青龙齿), which have a blue-grey or dark brown surface color and are traditionally considered superior to White Dragon's Teeth (白龙齿). Key quality markers include: strong hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) properties when the tongue is placed against the surface (the "sticks to the tongue" test, 舐之粘舌), a porcelain-like or enamel-like sheen on the outer surface, a hard and dense texture, and a cross-section showing two distinct layers with visible fossilized dental pulp. Pieces should feel heavy for their size. Avoid specimens that are too chalky, lightweight, or that have been mixed with lower-quality "tooth bed" fragments (龙齿墩). Authentic material should show the characteristic tooth morphology with visible enamel ridges and grooves.

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Long Chi and its therapeutic uses

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (《神农本草经》, Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica)

Original: 龙齿，主小儿大人惊痫，癫疾狂走，心下结气，不能喘息，诸痉，杀精物。久服轻身，通神明，延年。

Translation: Dragon's Teeth treat fright epilepsy in children and adults, mania with wild running, binding Qi below the heart with inability to breathe, and various types of spasms. It kills spirit-entities. Taken long-term, it lightens the body, opens spirit-clarity, and extends life.

Ming Yi Bie Lu (《名医别录》, Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians)

Original: 小儿惊痫，身热不可近，大人骨间寒热。

Translation: [It treats] childhood fright epilepsy, body heat so intense one cannot be touched, and alternating cold and heat sensations in the bones of adults.

Yao Xing Lun (《药性论》, Treatise on the Properties of Medicines)

Original: 镇心，安魂魄。

Translation: It settles the Heart and calms the ethereal and corporeal souls (Hun and Po).

Ri Hua Zi Ben Cao (《日华子本草》)

Original: 治烦闷，癫痫，热狂。

Translation: It treats vexation and oppression, epilepsy, and manic agitation from Heat.

Yao Yao Fen Ji (《要药分剂》)

Original: 龙骨入心肝肾肠，龙齿单入心肝。故骨兼有止泻涩精之用，齿惟定惊安魂。

Translation: Dragon Bone enters the Heart, Liver, Kidney, and Intestine channels, while Dragon's Teeth enter only the Heart and Liver. Therefore the bone has the additional functions of stopping diarrhea and binding essence, while the teeth are solely for calming fright and settling the ethereal soul.

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Long Chi's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

Long Chi was first recorded in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (ca. 100 AD), listed as a top-grade (上品) substance under the entry for Long Gu (Dragon Bone). Ancient Chinese people believed these were genuinely the teeth of dragons, hence the name "Dragon's Teeth." It was not until modern paleontological investigation after 1950 that these were confirmed to be fossilized teeth of ancient mammals such as three-toed horses, elephants, and rhinoceroses.

The history of Long Chi intersects remarkably with the birth of Chinese paleontology and epigraphy. In 1899, the Qing dynasty scholar Wang Yirong, while purchasing "Dragon Bones" from a pharmacy for treating malaria, noticed that some specimens bore inscribed symbols. This led to the identification of oracle bone inscriptions (甲骨文), the earliest known form of Chinese writing. Similarly, in 1935, the German anthropologist Gustav von Koenigswald discovered an enormous fossil molar being sold as a "dragon's tooth" in a Hong Kong pharmacy, which led to the identification of Gigantopithecus blacki, the largest primate that ever lived.

Classical physicians drew a clear distinction between Long Gu and Long Chi. As noted in the Yao Yao Fen Ji, Long Gu enters four channels (Heart, Liver, Kidney, Intestine) and possesses both calming and astringent properties, while Long Chi enters only the Heart and Liver and specializes in calming fright and settling the spirit. The Ben Jing Feng Yuan described authentic Long Chi as "shaped like a writing-brush rest, weighing several liang, with a porcelain-like outer sheen that, when broken, shows a stone-like texture internally and sticks to the tongue when licked." Long Chi was included in the 1963 and 1977 editions of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia but was removed from later editions to protect fossil resources, and since 2015 no new patent medicine formulas containing Long Chi or Long Gu have been approved.