Long-gu – The Mineral Used in Traditional Systems to Support Normal Spirit Calming and Nerve RestLong-gu, also known as "Dragon Bone" or "Fossilized Bone," is the traditional Chinese name for fossilized bones of ancient animals (mammoths, rhinoceroses, and other extinct species), whose origins trace back to at least 100 AD. This very heavy, neutral mineral is particularly known for its ability to calm normal spirit (Shen), bring normal nerves to rest, relieve normal palpitations, promote normal sleep and maintain normal emotional balance – making it an ideal choice for people with a tendency toward normal restlessness, normal nervousness, normal palpitations with anxiety character and normal insomnia.⚠️ VERY IMPORTANT DISTINCTION: TWO TYPESBai Long Gu (White Dragon Bone / powdery type): lighter, finer, suitable for direct intakeHua Long Gu (Flowery Dragon Bone / veined type): heavier, higher quality, more effectiveTraditionally, Hua Long Gu (veined Dragon Bone) is marked as superior.Traditional Understanding in TCM SystemsWithin traditional Chinese medicine, Long-gu is described as a sweet, astringent herb with very heavy, neutral nature. In the TCM theoretical framework, it acts on the so‑called Heart, Kidney and Liver meridians. According to this traditional description, Long-gu specializes in "Shen-calming" (spirit calming), helps "relieve normal restlessness," "stabilize normal emotional waves" and "anchor normal floating Yang" – crucial TCM concepts for normal mental rest and normal sleep quality.Long-gu is seen in TCM as a classical "Shen-soother" – one of the most respected minerals for normal spirit calming. It is traditionally used to promote normal mental rest, support normal sleep initiation, ease normal palpitation restlessness, stabilize normal emotional responses and support normal concentration and working memory.Very Unique Property: "Heaviness" as Therapeutic ActionLong-gu distinguishes itself by a very unique property: the heaviness and density of the mineral itself are considered therapeutic. In TCM this is described as "the weight presses on the Heart, whereby the Shen (spirit) can be calmed." This is a very rare concept in herbal medicine where the physical property of weight and density itself is considered therapeutic.Mineral Composition and ResearchLong-gu contains very complex mineral structures:Hydroxyapatite (calcium phosphate crystals – primary component, ~50%)Calcium carbonate (secondary component, ~30%)Trace minerals: iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), silicon (Si) and over 55 elemental tracesOrganic structure: preserved fossil bone structure with Haversian canalsModern scientific research shows that Long-gu components can offer potential benefits:Calcium provision: Hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate can support normal calcium provision – likely one basis for the traditional "soothing" action.Mineral signaling: Studies suggest that calcium-mediated cellular signaling in nerve tissue can support normal neuromodulation – possible mechanism for Shen-calming.Astringent action: Studies show that calcium carbonate can support normal fluid retention (astringent effect) – likely basis for traditional use with night sweating.Anti-inflammatory potential: Trace minerals can support normal inflammation balance.Antacid action: Calcium carbonate can support normal stomach acid balance.Traditional Applications – TCM ContextIn traditional TCM formulas, Long-gu is classically used in situations described as:Normal restlessness or normal unease (especially with nervous component)Normal insomnia with normal palpitationsNormal palpitations with normal anxietyNormal dream disturbance or normal dream-related sleep problemsNormal night body sweatingNormal spontaneous perspirationNormal spermatorrhea or normal nocturnal emissionsNormal vaginal dischargeNormal uterine bleedingNormal epileptic symptoms or normal seizure symptoms (historical)Normal emotional instability or normal nervousnessNormal concentration problems with restlessness characterThese are traditionalist descriptions that form part of the TCM thinking system and must not be equated with medical diagnoses in the sense of European medicinal product law.Very Heavy and Stabilizing NatureLong-gu is traditionally seen as a very "heavy," "anchoring" and "stabilizing" mineral – which very effectively addresses normal Shen restlessness. This makes it particularly suitable for people with a tendency toward normal restlessness, normal palpitations and normal insomnia.Classical Formula: Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li TangThe most famous classical application is in the formula "Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang" (Bupleurum, Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Combination), traditionally used for over 1500 years for normal restlessness, normal palpitations with restlessness and normal sleep problems. This very famous formula contains Long-gu as a core ingredient, combined with Mu Li (oyster shell), which forms a very complementary pair.Other Classical Formulas:An Shen Yuan Zhi Wan: for normal sleep problems with normal palpitationsHu Po Duo Mei Wan: for normal insomnia with normal blood deficiencyGui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang: for normal palpitations and normal perspiration problemsVERY IMPORTANT: PREPARATION CRITICALLong-gu must be prepared by:Pre-cooking (decoction): Minimum 20–30 minutes pre-cooking BEFORE adding other herbs (very dense mineral)Powder form: Can also be processed into powder and consumed directly (traditional)Calcined form (Duan Long Gu): Heated to red in low oxygen for different therapeutic effectsCAUTION: PRE-COOKING ESSENTIALLong-gu is very dense and difficult to dissolve in water. It must be pre-cooked for MINIMUM 20–30 minutes to release mineral components before other herbs are added.Seasonality and Daily UseLong-gu is traditionally not recommended for independent daily use, but ALWAYS as part of professional TCM formulas. However, it can be used long-term in formulas without problems.Well-being and Daily UseLong-gu is valued by modern users as part of professional TCM formulas for normal Shen-calming, normal sleep support and normal nerve rest. This highly respected mineral is widely used in premium TCM formulas for normal well-being.Many users see Long-gu as part of professional TCM formulas for mental health – as a very stable, anchoring element for normal spirit calming and normal emotional balance, ALWAYS under the guidance of a qualified TCM doctor.Very Safe Profile (With Professional Preparation)Long-gu is known as one of the safest TCM substances. It is non-toxic and when properly prepared (pre-cooked), very well tolerated. No known side effects in professional use.CONTRAINDICATIONS: VERY MINIMALTraditionally:Do not mix with fish (very old warning – today no longer relevant)Do not use with Shi Gao (gypsum) – antagonistic actionPractically NO contraindications for healthy individuals.CAUTIOUS NOTE FOR THE CONSUMERThis product is a dietary supplement/mineral for professional TCM use. TCM terms such as Shen Calming, Spirit Rest, Heaviness Anchoring are system concepts that form part of a traditional thinking system and must not be directly equated with anatomical structures or disease explanations in modern medicine.If you have persistent insomnia, serious palpitations or normal psychiatric symptoms, you should always consult a qualified TCM doctor or medical expert BEFORE using this mineral in formulas.VERY SAFE – Long tradition of use (2000+ years) – Professional supervision recommended for optimal preparation.
