Pinyin: Longgu
Source
Fossilized bones of ancient mammals such as proboscideans, rhinoceroses, three-toed horses, bovids, and cervids.
Harvesting and Processing
After digging it out, remove soil and impurities
Medicinal Properties
1. Longgu: Also known as White Longgu. It appears in bone-like or irregularly shaped masses. The surface is white, gray-white, yellowish-white to light brown, mostly smooth, some with longitudinal striations, fissures, or brown streaks and spots. The texture is hard; when broken, the cross-section is uneven, white or yellowish-white, and some are hollow. The joints are enlarged, and the cross-section has honeycomb-like small holes. It has strong moisture absorption, and sticks to the tongue when licked. Odorless and tasteless. Those with a hard texture, white color, and strong moisture absorption are considered superior.
2. Wuhua Longgu (Wuhua Dragon Bone): Also known as Wuse Longgu (Five-Color Dragon Bone). It is cylindrical or irregularly lump-shaped, with a diameter of 5-25 cm. The color is pale grayish-white, pale yellowish-white, or pale yellowish-brown, interspersed with blue-gray and reddish-brown patterns of varying shades, thicknesses, and sizes; occasionally, specimens lack patterns. The surface is generally smooth, sometimes with the outer layer peeling off in flakes, revealing an uneven surface with fissures. The texture is relatively brittle and friable; after breaking, the cross-section is rough, showing concentric rings of varying widths. It has strong moisture absorption; when licked, it adheres to the tongue. Odorless and tasteless. Those with lighter weight, brittle and friable texture, distinct layers, visible patterns, and strong moisture absorption are considered superior.
Chemical Constituents
The main ingredients are calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate.
Pharmacology
It has a certain sedative effect, increasing the hypnotic rate of sodium pentobarbital; it can also shorten the coagulation time in mice.
Properties and Channel Entry
Astringent, sweet, neutral. Enters the Heart, Liver, Kidney, and Large Intestine channels.
Functions and Indications
Calms the heart and settles the spirit, pacifies the Liver and subdues Yang, secures and astringes, and promotes contraction. Indicated for palpitations and severe palpitations, insomnia and forgetfulness, convulsions, epilepsy, mania and psychosis, dizziness and blurred vision, spontaneous sweating and night sweats, nocturnal emission and enuresis, uterine bleeding and vaginal discharge, chronic diarrhea and prolonged dysentery, non-healing ulcers, and damp sores.
Dosage and Administration
Internal: decoct 10-15 g, crush and decoct first; or made into pills or powder. External: apply appropriate amount, grind into powder and sprinkle; or mix for topical application. For calming the spirit and calming the Liver, use raw; for astringing and healing sores, use calcined.
Precautions and Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with Damp-Heat and food stagnation.
Prescriptions
1. For forgetfulness: Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi) 1 part, Hugu (Tiger Bone) 1 part, and Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix) 1 part. Grind the three ingredients into a fine powder. Take 2 g after meals, twice daily. Long-term use improves memory and intelligence. (Qianjin Yaofang) 2. For postpartum excessive sweating: Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi) 30 g and Mahuanggen (Ephedrae Radix) 30 g. Grind the ingredients into a fine powder. Take 6 g with rice porridge at any time. (Shenghui Fang) 3. For nocturnal emissions due to consumptive fatigue: Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi) 60 g and Jiuzi (Allii Tuberosi Semen, lightly stir-fried) 60 g. Grind the ingredients into a fine powder and further grind until smooth. Take 6 g with warm wine on an empty stomach and before dinner. (Shenghui Fang) 4. For enuresis and frequent urination: Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi) and Sangpiaoxiao (Mantidis Ootheca) in equal parts, ground into powder. Take 6 g with salt water. (Gangmu, citing Meishi Jingyan Fang) 5. For umbilical sores: Burn Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi) to ash, grind into powder, and apply topically. (Shenghui Fang) 6. For bleeding from metal wounds: Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi) 30 g, Hezi (Chebulae Fructus) 30 g, Baishizhi (Halloysitum Rubrum) 15 g, and Zhumaye (Boehmeriae Folium) 15 g. Grind into a fine powder and take with water. (Puji Fang, Shenxian Zhixue Fang) 7. For chronic dampness and erosion of both ears with poor healing: Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi) 9 g, Chishizhi (Halloysitum Rubrum, calcined) 9 g, and Haipiaoxiao (Sepiae Endoconcha, boiled in water) 9 g. Grind together into a fine powder. First, dry the pus with a cotton strip, then blow the powder into the ear. (Bencao Huiyan) 8. For scrotal sweating and itching: Apply Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi) and Muli (Ostreae Concha) powder externally. (Yizong Sanfa)
