Long gu

Traditional Chinese medicine substance

Long gu (Chinese: 龙骨; pinyin: lóng gǔ ), also known as dragon bone, is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) substance derived from fossilized bones, often from large mammals such as mastodons or other prehistoric creatures. It is primarily composed of calcium carbonate and is used in TCM for its purported calming and sedative properties.

Description

Long gu is typically found in the form of fossilized bones, which are ground into a fine powder for medicinal use. The substance is rich in calcium and other minerals, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. In traditional Chinese medicine, long gu is classified as a substance that anchors and calms the spirit, making it useful in treating conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness.

Fossilized bones used as Long gu

Traditional Uses

In TCM, long gu is often combined with other herbs to enhance its effects. It is commonly used in formulas designed to treat emotional disturbances and to stabilize the mind. Some of the traditional indications for long gu include:

• Calming the spirit: Long gu is believed to have a grounding effect, making it useful for individuals experiencing anxiety, palpitations, or insomnia.
• Preventing leakage of fluids: It is also used to treat conditions such as night sweats and spontaneous sweating, which are thought to be caused by a deficiency of yin or qi.
• Supporting bone health: Due to its high calcium content, long gu is sometimes used to support bone health and treat conditions like osteoporosis.

Preparation and Dosage

Long gu is typically prepared by grinding the fossilized bones into a fine powder. It can be taken as a decoction, pill, or powder, often in combination with other herbs. The dosage of long gu varies depending on the specific condition being treated and the formulation used, but it is generally used in the range of 15-30 grams per day.

Cultural Significance

The use of long gu in traditional Chinese medicine reflects the broader cultural significance of dragons in Chinese mythology and symbolism. Dragons are considered powerful and auspicious creatures, and their bones are thought to carry potent healing properties.

Neolithic jade dragon, symbolizing the cultural significance of dragons in Chinese culture

Modern Research

While long gu has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, modern scientific research on its efficacy and safety is limited. Some studies have explored its potential benefits for bone health and its calming effects, but more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential.

Related Pages

• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Herbal medicine
• Calcium carbonate
• Anxiety
• Insomnia