Lu Jiao Jiao, also known as Cervi Cornus Colla or Deer Antler Glue, is a sweet, warm, and strongly tonifying gelatin made from the antlers of young male deer. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is used to tonify Kidney Yang, nourish Essence and Blood, and strengthen the bones and sinews. It is considered one of the most potent restorative substances for treating deficiency conditions, particularly those involving cold, weakness, infertility, and developmental delays.
Functions & Benefits
Tonifies Kidney Yang & Strengthens Essence
Lu Jiao Jiao is used in cases of Kidney Yang Deficiency, which may present as cold extremities, fatigue, lower back and knee weakness, or impotence. It strengthens Jing (Essence) and is often prescribed for reproductive and constitutional deficiencies in both men and women.
Nourishes Blood & Tonifies Qi
This herb nourishes Blood and boosts Qi in cases of fatigue, pallor, dizziness, and delayed recovery after illness or childbirth. It is helpful for individuals with weak constitutions, chronic illness, or blood loss.
Strengthens Bones & Sinews
Lu Jiao Jiao is beneficial for bone weakness, joint degeneration, and developmental delays in children due to Kidney and Essence Deficiency. It is used to promote healing in bone injuries and degenerative musculoskeletal disorders.
Stops Bleeding
In some cases, Lu Jiao Jiao is used to stop bleeding caused by deficiency cold. It is especially useful when bleeding is chronic, pale in color, and accompanied by cold sensations and fatigue.
Supports Reproductive & Sexual Health
This herb is widely used to treat sexual weakness, infertility, and seminal emissions. It warms the uterus, supports fetal development, and may be included in formulas for threatened miscarriage due to cold and deficiency.
Indications
Fatigue, cold limbs, and back or knee weakness from Kidney Yang Deficiency.
Infertility, impotence, or sexual exhaustion due to Essence Deficiency.
Delayed development or weak bones in children from congenital deficiency.
Blood Deficiency with dizziness, pallor, or uterine bleeding.
Recovery from surgery, chronic illness, or blood loss with Qi and Yang Deficiency.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Pale with a thin white coating, indicating Yang and Blood Deficiency.
Pulse: Deep, weak, or slow, often showing signs of internal cold and deficiency.
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Lu Jiao Jiao
Lu Jiao Jiao treats Kidney Yang Deficiency, Essence and Blood Deficiency, Cold in the Uterus, and Deficiency-related Bleeding. These patterns include signs of fatigue, reproductive weakness, weak bones, chronic bleeding, or failure to thrive.
Precautions & Contraindications
Contraindicated in cases of Yin Deficiency with heat signs.
Not suitable for patients with internal heat, bleeding due to excess heat, or strong digestive fire.
Avoid in early stages of febrile or infectious illness.
Use cautiously in individuals with weak digestion or phlegm-heat patterns.
Conclusion
Lu Jiao Jiao is one of the most powerful tonics in TCM for rebuilding strength, warming Kidney Yang, and nourishing Essence and Blood. It is ideal for patients recovering from illness, suffering from reproductive weakness, or dealing with developmental and musculoskeletal deficiencies. Its restorative and warming nature makes it a key herb for chronic cold-type deficiency conditions.
