Herb Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency

Lu Rong

Pilose antlers | 鹿茸

Cervus nippon or Cervus elaphus

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Salty, Sweet

Organ Affinity

Kidneys, Liver

Parts Used

Young unossified hairy antler of male cervus nippon

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Lu Rong

Traditional Actions

Tonifies Kidney Yang and the Governor vessel.
Supplies Essence, Qi and Blood and supports growth.
Strengthens the sinews and bones.
Treats infertility and impotence.

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Lu Rong belongs to the 'Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency' category. Tonic herbs are used for patterns of Deficiency, when one lacks one of the 'Four Treasures' (Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang). Yang Tonics are generally used in combination with a small amount of Yin tonics. If Yin is deficient, neither Qi nor Yang herbs alone will be effective. The most common symptoms associated with Yang Deficiency are low libido and impotence. It is worth mentioning that another very effective remedy against Yang Deficiency is regular exercise.

 

Furthermore Lu Rong is Warm in nature. This means that Lu Rong tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Lu Rong can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

 

Lu Rong also tastes Salty and Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Salty ingredients like Lu Rong tends to have a draining effect in the body because they clear accumulations, remove Phlegm and soften hard lumps. On the other hand Sweet ingredients tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Lu Rong is thought to target the Kidney and the Liver. According to TCM, the Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.

Common Applications

Impotence Spermatorrhea Frigidity Infertility Thinness Fatigue Cold intolerance Dizziness Tinnitus Impaired hearing Back pain Cold sensation Weakness of the limbs Abnormal uterine bleeding Leukorrhalgia Sores

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Lu Rong

Pilose antlers tend to activate the autonomic nervous system as well as the sympathetic nervous system.1

Sources:

1. Kim YJ, Lee CH, Kim JU, Yook TH. (2016). Effects of Distilled Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu and Rehmannia glutinosa Pharmacopuncture at GB21 (Jianjing) on Heart Rate Variability: A Randomized and Double-blind Clinical Trial. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. , 9(6):311-318. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2016.11.001. Epub 2016 Nov 10.

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Lu Rong

Traditional Preparation

Collects the pilose antlers within 53 days after they started growing, slice and dry.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

1 to 2 g

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Lu Rong

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Lu Rong may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

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