蛤蚧
Gecko (Gejie)

Pharmaceutical Name: Gecko

Zoological Name: Gekko gecko L.

Common Name: Gecko, Toad-headed lizard

Source of Earliest Record: Leigong Paozhi Lun

Part Used: The gecko is caught in summer. The internal organs are removed, and the eyes are cut and drained. Pieces of bamboo are used to fix the body, and then the gecko is baked and put in a dry place.

Natural Properties & Taste: Salty and neutral

Meridians: Lung and kidney

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To tonify lungs and kidneys.
2. To stop cough and asthma.

3. To replenish blood and essence.

Indications & Combinations:

1. Cough and asthma due to deficiency of lungs and kidneys. Gecko (Gejie) is used with Ginseng (Renshen), Apricot seed (Xingren) and Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu) in the formula Renshen Gejie San.

2. Impotence due to kidney deficiency. Gecko (Gejie) is used with Ginseng (Renshen), Pilose antler (Lurong) and Epimedium (Yinyanghuo). Also, Gecko (Gejie) can be used alone for this treatment.

Dosage: 3-7 g (for decoction), 1-2 g (for powder)

Cautions & Contraindications: This substance is contraindicated in patients with cough and asthma due to excessive internal heat or invasion by exogenous pathogenic wind and cold.