Pig Thyroid Gland
Alternate Names: Pig's Vitality Gland (猪气子).
Flavor and Energetic Properties: Sweet in flavor, slightly warm in nature.
Meridian Tropism: Enters the Lung, Gallbladder, Bladder, and Kidney Meridians.
Medicinal Part: The thyroid gland of pigs.
Usage and Dosage of Pig Thyroid Gland
Internal Administration: Cooked and consumed, in appropriate amounts; or baked dry and ground into powder, 0.15 grams daily.
Preparation Method: After slaughter, scrape off pig hair, remove the thyroid gland. Use fresh or dried.
Functions and Actions of Pig Thyroid Gland
Functions: Dissolves lumps and reduces goiter by addressing underlying imbalances in the body's energy (Qi) flow.
Main Applications: Traditionally used for goiter caused by stagnant Qi (气瘿) and various masses or lumps stemming from disrupted energy circulation (气瘤).
Contraindications for Pig Thyroid Gland
The internal dosage should not be excessive. It must be used with caution in patients with heart disease, as the active compounds can influence cardiovascular function. Always consult a qualified practitioner before use, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
Formulas Containing Pig Thyroid Gland
Here are some traditional formulas featuring Pig Thyroid Gland:
1. Formula for Qi Masses and Goiter (猪靥散 from "Sheng Ji Zong Lu"): This formula addresses masses and goiter believed to be related to Qi stagnation. It combines fourteen roasted castrated pig thyroid glands with twenty-two Pinellia rhizomes (processed by washing with hot water to remove any irritating slipperiness), and one liang (approximately 30-37 grams) of Ginseng. These three ingredients are ground into a fine powder. For each dose, one qianbi (approximately 3-4 grams) of the powder is mixed with warm wine and taken at bedtime, with the head slightly lowered to aid absorption. PMID: 28416041
2. Formula for Goiter due to Qi Stagnation (开结散 from "Yi Lin Ji Yao"): This blend aims to open blockages and resolve goiter. It consists of forty-nine baked pig thyroid glands, two qian (approximately 6-7.4 grams) of Agarwood, forty-nine grains of true Cinnabar (processed by calcination), and four qian (approximately 12-14.8 grams) of Red Tangerine Peel. All ingredients are ground into a powder. Two qian (approximately 6-7.4 grams) of the powder are to be taken slowly at bedtime with cold wine.
Important Safety Note: This formula contains Cinnabar (朱砂), which is a mercury sulfide mineral. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cinnabar is processed to reduce toxicity, but it remains a potent substance. Extreme caution is advised, and this ingredient should only be used under the direct supervision of a highly qualified and experienced TCM practitioner who is knowledgeable about its proper preparation and safe dosage. Self-administration of formulas containing Cinnabar can be dangerous due to its potential toxicity. PMID: 29088665
Your 3-Second Self-Test + 30-Second Self-Help Boost!
If you notice any unusual swelling in your neck, a feeling of tightness in your throat, or unexplained lumps,
Then Immediately consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. While awaiting your appointment, you can support your overall well-being by engaging in a 30-second self-help practice: find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and take 5 deep, slow breaths, focusing on expanding your belly. This simple exercise can help calm your nervous system and promote a sense of energetic flow, a key principle in TCM for addressing stagnation. PMID: 32095924
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
References
[Review on TCM for autoimmune thyroid diseases] PMID: 28416041
[TCM for thyroid nodules] PMID: 29088665
[General safety and efficacy of TCM] PMID: 32095924
