What is dragon bone in Chinese medicine?
In the treasure house of traditional Chinese medicine, dragon bone, as a traditional medicinal material, has a long history and is widely used. In recent years, as people's attention to traditional medicine has increased, the efficacy and origin of dragon bones have become one of the hot topics. This article will combine the hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to analyze the origin, efficacy and modern research progress of dragon bone in detail, and present key information in structured data.
1. The origin and history of keels

The keel bones are not the bones of a real "dragon", but the fossils of ancient large mammals (such as elephants, rhinos, three-toed horses, etc.). These fossils were formed through long-term geological processes and are mainly composed of calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that dragon bones have the effects of calming nerves, calming nerves, astringing and fixing astringency, and are often used to treat insomnia, palpitations, night sweats and other symptoms.
| Properties | content |
|---|---|
| Source | Ancient large mammal fossils |
| Main ingredients | Calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate |
| Medicinal parts | bone fossils |
| historical records | "Shen Nong's Materia Medica" is listed as top grade |
2. Function and application of keel
Keel is commonly used in the following aspects in clinical TCM:
| Efficacy | Application scenarios | Common compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Soothe the nerves | Insomnia, dreaminess, panic | Oysters, jujube kernels |
| Astringent and astringent | Night sweats, nocturnal emissions, vaginal discharge | Schisandra chinensis, dogwood |
| Calm the liver and subdue yang | High blood pressure, dizziness | Uncaria and Cassia |
3. Modern research and hot discussions
Recently, research and discussion on keels have mainly focused on the following aspects:
1.resource protection issues: Since keels are derived from fossils, over-exploitation may cause damage to paleontological fossil resources. In the past 10 days, multiple popular science accounts have called for stronger protection and the use of alternative medicinal materials.
2.Pharmacological research progress: Modern research has found that calcium ions in keel bones may have a regulatory effect on the nervous system, but its specific mechanism still needs further exploration.
3.Clinical application controversy: Some scholars believe that the efficacy of dragon bone lacks modern medical evidence, while supporters of traditional Chinese medicine emphasize the effectiveness of its thousands of years of practice.
| hot topics | focus of discussion | Related data |
|---|---|---|
| resource protection | Sustainability of Fossil Medicinal Materials | Related proposals will increase by 30% in 2023 |
| pharmacological research | Calcium ion action mechanism | 5 newly published papers |
| clinical controversy | Traditional and modern medical perspectives | Social media discussions exceeded 100,000 |
4. Things to note when purchasing and using keels
1.Key points for purchasing: Genuine keels are hard in texture, fine in cross-section, and mostly gray-white or yellow-white in color. Counterfeit products may have a loose texture or an off-flavor.
2.How to use: Dragon bones usually need to be fried first, and the usual amount is 15-30 grams. For external use, grind it into powder and apply it to the affected area.
3.Taboo groups: People with stagnant dampness and heat should use with caution. Pregnant women should use it under the guidance of a physician.
| Project | Detailed description |
|---|---|
| Quality identification | The real quality has a light hard color, while the fake quality has a bright pine color. |
| Usage and dosage | 15-30g for oral administration, decoct first; appropriate amount for external use |
| Things to note | People with dampness and heat should use with caution. Pregnant women should follow medical advice. |
5. Conclusion
As an important component of traditional Chinese medicine, dragon bones have a long historical heritage and are also facing scrutiny and challenges from modern science. On the premise of protecting fossil resources, how to rationally utilize this traditional medicinal material and balance traditional and modern medical perspectives has become a hot topic at present. In the future, with the deepening of research, the medicinal value of dragon bones may be more scientifically explained.
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