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Tiger Bone (Hu Gu)
⚠ Protected species. Trade in tiger bone is illegal under international law (CITES), and the animal is endangered. We do not sell, source, or recommend it. This page remains only as a record of the tradition; modern practice uses plant substitutes.
虎骨
Tiger’s bone (Hugu)
Pharmaceutical Name: Os tigris
Zoological Name: Panthera tigris L.
Common Name: Tiger’s bone
Source of Earliest Record: Mingyi Bielu
Part Used: The fresh bone is dried in the shade, and then pounded into small pieces or soaked in wine or made into pills or powder.
Natural Properties & Taste: Pungent and warm
Meridians: Liver and kidney
Therapeutic Effects:
1. To dispel wind and dampness and stop pain.
2. To strengthen tendons and bones.
Indications:
1. Wind-damp obstruction syndrome manifested as rheumatic pain, spasm of the limbs and motor impairment of joints. Tiger’s bone (Hugu) is used with Chaenomeles fruit (Mugua), Cyathula root (Niuxi), Acanthopanax bark (Wujiapi), Mulberry twigs (Sangzhi) and Teasel root (Xuduan) in the formula Hugu Mugua Jiu.
2. Deficient liver and kidney manifested as fragile bones and tendons and weakness of the limbs. Tiger’s bone (Hugu) is used with Prepared rehmannia root (Shudihuang) and Cyathula root (Niuxi) in the formula Hu Qian Wan.
Dosage: 3-6 g
Traditional use is not proof of safety or effect. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using any herb if you are pregnant, nursing, or take medicine.
