Cervi Cauda
Aliases：Lù Wěi Ba (Deer Tail).
Luwei (Deer's Tail) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried tail of Sika Deer (Cervus nippon Temminck) or Red Deer (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus), both belonging to the family Cervidae. Since ancient times, Deer's Tail has been regarded as a precious tonic and was listed among the "Eight Delicacies" in the Qing Dynasty imperial court, alongside bear paw, bird's nest, and shark fin. The Sika Deer is a first-class nationally protected animal in China, while the Red Deer is second-class protected; hunting of wild populations is strictly prohibited. Currently, medicinal Deer's Tail is primarily sourced from farmed deer populations. It was first recorded in Qinghai Yaocai (Qinghai Medicinal Materials).
Efficacy & Actions
Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, strengthens the sinews and bones, and supplements essence and blood. Being warm in nature and salty in taste, it enters the Liver and Kidneys, warming and tonifying the lower burner, invigorating Yang, supplementing essence, and strengthening the sinews and bones.
Indications
Indicated for Kidney deficiency with lower back pain, impotence and spermatorrhea, dizziness and tinnitus, weakness of the lower back and knees, atrophy of the sinews and bones, and uterine cold infertility in women. Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica records: "Warms the lower back and knees, supplements Kidney essence, treats lower back and spinal pain with inability to bend and stretch, and treats deficiency-cold leukorrhea in women."
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological research has shown that deer tail is rich in proteins, amino acids, peptides, hormone-like substances, and various trace elements. It has effects in enhancing immune function, anti-fatigue, promoting gonadal function, and improving blood circulation. Its active components are similar to those of deer antler, promoting growth and development and delaying aging.
Ingredients
Proteins: Rich in collagen and ossein (bone collagen). Amino acids: Various amino acids. Hormone-like substances: Sex hormone-like components. Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, iron, and others. Lipids: Small amounts of fat.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 3–9 g; or take in pills or powders; or steep in wine for consumption.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with Yin deficiency and fire excess—as this product is warm in nature, it may generate heat and damage Yin. Contraindicated in patients with externally-contracted fever. Use with caution during pregnancy. Should be used under the guidance of a physician. Do not self-medicate.
Selected Formulas
For Kidney deficiency with lower back pain (empirical formula): Deer tail 15 g, Eucommia (Dù Zhòng) 20 g, Dipsacus (Xù Duàn) 15 g. Decoct in water and take in two divided doses. Deer Tail Wine (empirical formula): One deer tail, white wine 1500 ml. Steep for 7 days, then consume. Take 10–15 ml each time, twice daily.
Daily Consumption
Wine infusion: Deer tail may be steeped in white wine to make a medicinal wine and consumed in moderation. Stewing: It may be stewed together with meat for consumption.
Medicinal Parts
The tail (dried tail) of the Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) or Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), animals belonging to the family Cervidae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
