Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Gekko |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 守宮 · Shou Gong |
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| Medicinal Part | Zoological substances |
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| Efficacy Category | Wind-extinguishing |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried body of Gekko swinhonis Günther or Gekko japonicus (Duméril et Bibron) (Gekkonidae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Salty; Cold; Slightly toxic |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Kidney |
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What Is Shou Gong?
Shou Gong (House Lizard (Gecko)) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Henan, Shandong.
Nature & Flavour: Salty; Cold; Slightly toxic
Channels Entered: Liver, Kidney
Shou Gong: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Gekko
Botanical Origin
The dried body of Gekko swinhonis Günther or Gekko japonicus (Duméril et Bibron) (Gekkonidae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Henan, Shandong.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is intact, dry, with tail.
Macroscopic Features
Flat and strip-like, 5~12cm long. Head is oval, with a pair of eyes. Back is grayish-brown or dark brown, covered with fine scales; abdomen is light yellow. Tail is long, tapering. Four limbs each with 5 toes, bearing suction pads. Light and brittle. Faint fishy odor, taste salty.
Traditional TCM Properties
Salty; Cold; Slightly toxicLiverKidney
Traditional Functions
Expels wind and stops spasms, dissipates nodules and stops pain.
How Shou Gong Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Shou Gong is classified among the Wind-extinguishing herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
