獾油
Aliases：Badger Fat
Huanyou (Badger Fat), a Chinese medicinal, is the fat oil of Meles meles Linnaeus, an animal of the Mustelidae family (genus Meles).
Efficacy & Actions
Supplement the middle and benefit qi, moisten the skin and promote tissue regeneration, resolve toxin and reduce swelling.
Indications
Deficiency of middle qi, uterine prolapse, anemia, gastric ulcer, hemiplegia, joint pain, chapped skin, hemorrhoids, chancre, scabies and tinea, tinea alba, burns and scalds, frostbite.
Modern Pharmacology
Internal use: 5–15 g, melted and taken in decoction. External use: Smear (apply topically).
Ingredients
Glycerides: Triolein, 1‑linoleoyl‑2,3‑diolein Saturated fatty acids: Palmitic acid Unsaturated fatty acids: Oleic acid, linoleic acid (unsaturated fatty acid content approx. 76.3%) Others: Eight known corticosteroids have been detected in the fat‑soluble fraction of badger fat.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 5–15 g, melted and taken in decoction. External use: Appropriate amount, applied topically by smearing.
Contraindications
Use with caution in individuals with Spleen deficiency with dampness retention, or damp‑heat internal accumulation, manifesting as poor appetite and thick, greasy tongue coating. Before use, consult a physician or pharmacist to ensure safety and efficacy.
Selected Formulas
1. For uterine prolapse (from Jilin Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 15 g of badger oil and 7 eggs. Heat the oil until boiling, add an appropriate amount of water, then crack the eggs into the mixture. Take while hot, once daily, for a consecutive period. 2. For hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body) (from Jilin Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 500 g of badger oil and 10 pieces of tofu. Fry the tofu in the badger oil until cooked. The amount consumed is not limited. Take 2–3 times daily. 3. For scalds/burns and chilblains (from Jilin Chinese Herbal Medicine) Apply badger oil directly to the affected area. 4. For scabies and tinea (fungal skin infections) (from Jilin Chinese Herbal Medicine) Apply badger oil to the affected area, then warm it gently with a low fire. Do this twice daily. 5. For tinea capitis (scalp fungus) (from Nian Xiyao Ji Yan Liang Fang) Apply badger oil to the affected area, warm it with fire, then wipe. Repeat 3–4 times. If the condition has persisted for many years and hair regrowth is a concern, a decoction of Goji berries (Gouqizi) may be taken orally as an adjunct.
Medicinal Parts
fat
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, protected from moisture.