Xi Jiao – Rhinoceros Horn – Cornu Rhinoceri

Xi Jiao

English Name: rhinoceros horn

Pharmaceutical Name: Cornu Rhinoceri

Medica Category: Heat-Clearing and Blood-Cooling Herbs

Properties: Xi Jiao enters the Heart, Liver, and Stomach channels; it is bitter and salty in nature and cold in temperature.

What is Xi Jiao?:

The Chinese Herb Xi Jiao is powdered rhinoceros horn.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Xi Jiao:

Xi Jiao was used classically in formula to cool the blood and stop bleeding.

Xi Jiao clears heat that is progressing inward (in the course of disease) to the ying and xue levels and attacking the Heart and Liver, causing Liver Wind and disturbance in the Shen. 

Xi Jiao sedates fire and clears heat form the ying level to treat various skin disorders characterized by dark, purple blotches as well as heat toxins attacking the throat.

**Xi Jiao is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Farms and Flora (CITES). Trade in Xi Jiao (and consequently its use in any form) is strictly prohibited. This means that the information in this herb glossary is provided for the student of Chinese Medicine who wishes to understand the classical properties and uses of this herb so that proper substitutions can be chosen and used in its place. It also means that if you are a non-practitioner/consumer who comes across a product that lists this herb as a component, either the claim is fraudulent or the manufacturers are breaking international law.