Parts Most Frequently Used: Fossilized bones

Flavors/Temps: Sweet, Astringent, Neutral

Caution: Some sources indicates that dragon bone counteracts gypsum (Shi Gao) and that it ought not to be mixed with fish. Otherwise, it is considered very safe.

History/Folklore: In China, where the herb is most commonly used, it is used raw for settling the nerves and calming Shen (Spirit). It can be crushed for using in a decoction. Dragon bone will often be combined with herbs that help strengthen digestion as used alone the fossils can be rough on the digestive system.

Dragon teeth (Long Chi) are fossilized teeth. They are astringent and cooling in nature with the same basic properties as dragon bone. Dragon teeth are especially noted for treating palpations with anxiety, insomnia, and dream-disturbed sleep. Dragon teeth are used to treat epilepsy, madness, spasms, inability to catch ones breath and manic running around.

As a substance that anchors and calms Shen (Spirit), dragon bone’s function is related to its weight and density. Beyond their properties and constituents, the weight and density of dragon bone is said to “weigh” upon the Heart so it can calm Shen (Spirit) that is associated with the Heart, helping to slow palpations and sooth flighty nerves.

It is believed to treat old ghosts and invasions of unwanted spirits, as it kills spiritual disrupters. It was thought that if taken correctly over time one’s body would become light (bright) enabling a person to live longer.

Calcining is the process of heating the fossil until it turns red in a low oxygen atmosphere that is used to treat diarrhea with pus and blood and vaginal discharge.

There are two types of dragon bone on the market. One is called “tu” (local), “fen” (powdery), or “bai” (white) dragon bone. The other is called “hua” (variegated or flowery) dragon bone. Bai Long Gu (White Dragon Bone), is characterized as being solid, hard to break and has no veins and is powdery. Hua Long Gu (Flowery Dragon Bone) is considered the higher quality version, it is easy to break, has lots of veins and comes in many colors.

In Chinese culture, dragons are a powerful ancient symbol of dignity, strength and spirit. They are auspicious, and are considered to control water, whether it be rainfall, typhoon or floods. They strengthen and combine the best of Yin and Yang and are considered to be a powerful symbol of the Cosmic Qi (Energy). The dragon is the symbol of the Chinese nation.