Xi Jiao - Rhinoceros Horn

TCM Materia Medica

Xi Jiao TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "xi jiao" which in english is "rhinoceros horn", is categorized within the "herbs that cool the blood" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the heart, liver and stomach channels and exhibits bitter (ku), cold (han) and salty (xian) 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: 1-2g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Clears Heat, Relieves Fire Toxicity, Cools Blood, Arrests Tremors. Erythema, nosebleed, vomiting blood, delirium, convulsions, manic behavior, loss of consciousness.

Xi Jiao has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).

Pregnancy, Yin Deficiency Fever, Incompatible (antagonist) with Chuan Wu Tou and Cao Wu Tou.

Our clinical staff have made the following notes, regarding xi jiao:

Shui Niu Xiao (horn of water buffalo) is used as a substitute. Use 30-120g for decoction.

While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, xi jiao is generally included in the following 1 formula:

ViewAn Gong Niu Huang Wan (Calm The Palace Pill With Cattle Gallstone)

Resuscitates, clears heat, calms shen, and expels phelgm - coma arising from stroke, convulsions, loss of consciousness.

As noted above, xi jiao is within the herbs that cool the blood functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... patterns of heat in the blood from febrile disease entering the blood level – blood moves recklessly and causes rashes, nosebleed, vomiting, spitting, or coughing of blood, blood in stool or urine also treats ying level of a febrile disea…)".

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