Adeps Ursi
Aliases：Xióng Bái (Bear White, from Tao Hongjing), Xióng Xù (Bear Pity, from Dongtian Aozhi), Xióng Yóu (Bear Oil).
Xióng Zhī (Bear Fat) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the fatty oil of Selenarctos thibetanus G.Cuvier (Asiatic Black Bear) and Ursus arctos Linnaeus (Brown Bear), animals belonging to the family Ursidae. Bear fat that is white and jade-like in color is considered to be of the best quality. As it is primarily obtained from the fat on the bear’s back, it is also known as “Xióng Bái” (Bear White). This medicinal material was first recorded in Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer‘s Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Supplements deficiency, strengthens the sinews and bones, moistens the skin, resolves accumulations, and kills parasites.
Indications
Indicated for consumptive weakness and emaciation (debility and weight loss due to consumption), wind-induced numbness (numbness and loss of sensation in the limbs caused by wind pathogens), and spasms of the sinews and vessels (contraction and spasm of the sinews and vessels). It is also used for accumulations in the five viscera and abdomen, tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), facial blemishes and acne, chronic leg ulcers, and vomiting.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: after rendering, take 10–20 g with boiled water. It may also be rendered and taken with wine. For external use: apply an appropriate amount to the affected area.
Contraindications
Those with chronic diseases should not consume bear products—Tujing Yanyi Bencao (Expanded Illustrated Materia Medica) records: "Those with chronic diseases should not eat bear, as it may prevent lifelong recovery." Bears are harmed by salt; consuming it may be fatal. Should be used under the guidance of a physician. Do not self-medicate. All use must comply with relevant national laws and regulations regarding wildlife protection.
Selected Formulas
For wind‑impediment with numbness and sinew contracture (Shennong Bencao Jing) Take an appropriate amount of bear fat, heat and refine it, then take with boiling water. For tinea capitis and fungal infection of the hair (Chanru Jiyan Fang) Apply bear fat (white bear fat) to the affected area. For chronic tinea manus (eczema of the hands) that has persisted for decades (Dongtian Aozhi, Xiongzhi Gao) Take 30g of bear oil, 9g of Wasong (Orostachys), 3g of Qingfen (Calomel), and 3g of Zhangnao (Camphor). Grind the latter three into powder. First, decoct 9g of Gancao (Licorice) and 9g of Guizhi (Cinnamon twig) to wash the affected area, then dry it. Mix the powders with bear oil, apply to the affected area, and heat gently. Do this three times daily. For darkening yellow hair (Qianjin Yifang) Apply bear fat to the hair and comb it through. For chronic leg ulcers (Chinese Animal Medicines) Apply bear oil to the affected area.
Medicinal Parts
The fatty oil of Selenarctos thibetanus G.Cuvier (Asiatic Black Bear) or Ursus arctos Linnaeus (Brown Bear), animals belonging to the family Ursidae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. Avoid high temperatures to prevent melting and spoilage.
