Corium Cervi
Lù Pí (Deer Skin) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried skin of Cervus nippon Temminck (Sika Deer) or Cervus elaphus Linnaeus (Red Deer), animals belonging to the family Cervidae. The skin of either Sika Deer or Red Deer is used medicinally. Sika deer are listed as a first-class nationally protected animal species in China, and red deer are listed as second-class protected species. Wild populations are scarce and hunting is strictly prohibited. Currently, medicinal deer skin is primarily sourced from farmed deer populations, and its use must comply with relevant national laws and regulations. This medicinal material was first recorded in Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu).
Efficacy & Actions
Supplements Qi, astringes essence, and heals sores. It is also recorded as having the effects of supplementing Qi and blood, and tonifying the Kidneys.
Indications
主治妇女白带（带下病），崩漏（血崩不止），肾虚滑精，及一切疮漏。
Modern Pharmacology
Regulation of bone marrow hematopoiesis: Deer skin has the effect of regulating bone marrow hematopoietic function. Immunoenhancing effects: Deer skin glue can significantly enhance immune function in animals. Blood-enriching effects: Deer skin glue has blood-enriching effects. Nourishing Yin, moistening dryness, and hemostatic effects: Exhibits effects of nourishing Yin, moistening dryness, enriching blood, and stopping bleeding.
Ingredients
Collagen: Abundant content, promotes cell growth, maintains skin elasticity, and has anti-aging, beautifying, and wrinkle-reducing effects. Polysaccharides: Abundant content. Amino acids: Various amino acids. Trace elements: Sodium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, selenium, copper, zinc, and others.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–12 g. For external use: apply an appropriate amount, burn to ash and mix for topical application.
Contraindications
A prescription should be obtained from a qualified TCM practitioner at a regular TCM hospital after proper syndrome differentiation. Sika deer are first-class nationally protected animals, and red deer are second-class nationally protected animals. Indiscriminate capture is strictly prohibited. Any form of use must comply with relevant national laws and regulations.
Selected Formulas
For all types of fistulas (Bencao Gangmu) Take deer skin, burn it to ash, mix with lard, and apply to the fistula opening or affected area. Change the dressing five to six times daily until healed. For leukorrhea, persistent metrorrhagia, and kidney‑deficiency spermatorrhea in women (Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica) Take an appropriate amount of deer skin, decoct in water, and take orally.
Medicinal Parts
The skin of Cervus nippon Temminck (Sika Deer) or Cervus elaphus Linnaeus (Red Deer), animals belonging to the family Cervidae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container, sealed, in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
