Long Gu - Fossilized Bones
TCM Materia Medica
Long Gu TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "long gu" which in english is 
"fossilized bones", is categorized within the "herbs that anchor, settle and calm the spirit" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the heart, kidney and liver channels and exhibits neutral (ping) and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 15-30g cook 20-30 minutes extra
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Calms the spirit - emotional distress, insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, seizures.
- Calms the liver, anchors floating yang - irritable, blurred vision, vertigo, bad temper.
- Prevents leakage of fluids due to deficiency - spermatorrhea, night sweats, spontaneous sweating, vaginal discharge, nocturnal emissions, uterine bleeding.
- Topically for chronic non-healing sores and ulcerations.
Long Gu may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: anxiety, insomnia, irritability, palpitations, uterine bleeding, vertigo and/or vision problems
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, long gu is generally included in the following 4 formulas:
ViewBu Nao Wan (Brain Supplementing Pills)
A range of psychiatric, cognitive decline, trauma issues - benefit and clears the brain, transforms phlegm and tonifies kidney qi and the blood. Often used for both general cognitive decline/dementi…
ViewChai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Wan (Bupleurum, Dragon Bone, and Oyster Shell Formula)
Palpitations, anxiety, restlessness, agitation/irritibility, and insomnia from heat due to liver yang or fire. Mental disorders such as including biopolar and schizophrenia resulting from distrubed …
ViewGu Zhi Shu Song Wan (Osteoporosis Tablets)
For bone disorders includeing osteoporosis and osteopenia. May help reduce or prevent further bone loss.
ViewSang Piao Xiao Wan (Mantis Egg Case Powder)
Frequent urination, possibly incontinent from weakness in the heart and kidney systems. Pang Guang Shi Yue (bladder losing restraint). Other kidney deficiency signs possible such as spermatorrhea, …
As noted above, long gu is within the herbs that anchor, settle and calm the spirit functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... mostly involves the heart and the liver - irritability, insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, insanity. herbs within this group are usually minerals or shells with side effects of injuring the stomach and/or spleen - most often combined with h…)".
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