Gecko is a commonly used herb for tonifying yang; it is the dried body of the gecko (Gekko gecko Linnaeus) from the Gekkonidae family. It has the effects of tonifying the lungs and kidneys, regulating qi and alleviating wheezing, and enhancing yang and essence. It is primarily used to treat lung and kidney deficiency, wheezing and shortness of breath due to deficiency, chronic cough with hemoptysis, impotence, and nocturnal emission.
Gecko
Gecko is a commonly used herb for tonifying yang; it is the dried body of the gecko (Gekko gecko Linnaeus) from the Gekkonidae family. It has the effects of tonifying the lungs and kidneys, regulating qi and alleviating wheezing, and enhancing yang and essence. It is primarily used to treat lung and kidney deficiency, wheezing and shortness of breath due to deficiency, chronic cough with hemoptysis, impotence, and nocturnal emission.
Chinese Name : 蛤蚧
Latin Name : Gecko
Aliases : Gekko, Gekko Crab, Immortal Toad, Scale Snake, Giant Gecko
Authentic Producing Area : Mainly produced in Guangxi and Guangdong; imported Gekko are mainly sourced from Vietnam
Nature, Flavor & Meridian Tropism : Salty in taste, neutral in nature; enters the Lung and Kidney meridians
Benefits & Efficacy
Benefits
Nourishes the lungs and kidneys, anchors the qi and alleviates wheezing, and supports yang and enhances essence.
Indications
Mainly used for lung and kidney deficiency, shortness of breath due to deficiency, chronic cough with hemoptysis, impotence, and nocturnal emission.
Usage and Dosage
3–6 g; most commonly used in pills, powders, or wine preparations.
Precautions
Avoid consuming with spicy, greasy, or raw and cold foods, as well as snails, oranges, and celery, to prevent diarrhea or impairment of the medicinal efficacy.
Chemical Constituents
Main phospholipid components: hemolytic phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine; fatty acid components: lauric acid,cardate acid, arachidic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, arachidonic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, and linolenic acid; it also contains proteins, amino acids, trace elements, and other components.
Pharmacological Actions
This product has bronchodilatory, immune-boosting, antitumor, and sex hormone-like effects.
Relevant Discussions
1. *Hǎiyào Běncǎo*: “Treats pulmonary atrophy with shortness of breath, hemoptysis, and cough.”
2. *Compendium of Materia Medica*: “Tonifies lung qi, nourishes essence and blood, alleviates wheezing and suppresses cough, treats lung abscess, relieves diabetes insipidus, and enhances sexual function.”
3. *Essentials of Materia Medica*: “Tonifies the lungs and moistens the kidneys, nourishes essence and enhances yang, treats thirst and promotes urination, alleviates wheezing and suppresses cough; suitable for cases of pulmonary atrophy with hemoptysis, as well as those with qi deficiency and blood depletion.”
Applications
Related Compatibility
1. Gecko combined with Sichuan fritillary bulb: Gecko excels at tonifying lung qi, anchoring qi, and relieving wheezing; Sichuan fritillary bulb excels at clearing heat, resolving phlegm, moistening the lungs, and stopping cough. When used together, these two herbs enhance the effects of tonifying the lungs, clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and stopping cough. This combination is suitable for cough and wheezing caused by lung deficiency with phlegm-heat.
2. Gekko combined with Amomum seed: Gekko is moist in nature and non-drying; it tonifies the kidneys, assists yang, and nourishes essence and blood. Amomum seed is pungent and warm, entering the Kidney channel; it warms the kidneys and spleen while consolidating essence and reducing urinary incontinence. When used together, these two herbs enhance the effects of warming and tonifying kidney yang, as well as consolidating the root and nourishing the essence. This combination is suitable for conditions such as impotence due to kidney deficiency, seminal emission, and enuresis.
3. Gekko combined with Rehmannia: Gekko excels at tonifying the lungs and kidneys, as well as anchoring the qi and alleviating wheezing; Rehmannia excels at clearing heat, cooling the blood, nourishing yin, and generating body fluids. When used together, these two herbs work to tonify the lungs and kidneys while clearing heat and cooling the blood. This combination is suitable for conditions such as lung and kidney deficiency, chronic cough with loss of voice, or blood-streaked sputum.
4. Geji combined with Goji Berries: Geji excels at tonifying the lungs and kidneys, while Goji Berries excel at tonifying the liver and kidneys. When used together, these two herbs enhance the effects of strengthening yang and nourishing essence. This combination is suitable for conditions such as kidney yang deficiency, erectile dysfunction, and nocturnal emissions.
5. Gecko combined with Stemona: Gecko excels at tonifying the lungs and kidneys, as well as anchoring the qi and alleviating wheezing; Stemona is sweet, moistening, and bitter, with a descending nature, and is effective at moistening the lungs and relieving cough. When used together, these two herbs significantly enhance the effects of tonifying the lungs and kidneys, anchoring the qi and alleviating wheezing, and moistening the lungs and relieving cough. This combination is suitable for treating coughs associated with pulmonary tuberculosis and hemoptysis.
6. Gekko combined with Morinda root: Gekko excels at tonifying the lungs and kidneys, while Morinda root excels at tonifying the kidneys and assisting yang. When used together, these two herbs enhance the effect of tonifying the kidneys and assisting yang. This combination is suitable for conditions such as erectile dysfunction caused by kidney yang deficiency.
7. Gekko combined with Scrophularia root: Gekko excels at tonifying the lungs and kidneys, while Scrophularia root excels at nourishing yin and moistening the lungs.When used together, they nourish yin, moisten the lungs, and relieve cough. This combination is suitable for chronic cough associated with pulmonary tuberculosis.
8. Geji combined with Schisandra: Geji excels at tonifying the lungs and kidneys, while Schisandra excels at consolidating the lungs and nourishing the kidneys. When used together, they tonify the lungs and kidneys, consolidate the lungs, and relieve cough. This combination is suitable for conditions such as chronic cough and wheezing due to deficiency of both the lungs and kidneys.
Medicinal Identification
1. Gekko and Wine-Processed Gekko: These are two different processed forms of Gekko. Due to differences in processing methods, their therapeutic effects have distinct emphases. Gekko excels at tonifying the lungs, nourishing essence, regulating qi, and alleviating wheezing; it is commonly used for coughs due to lung deficiency or wheezing caused by kidney deficiency.Wine-roasted gecko enhances the effects of tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang, and is frequently used for erectile dysfunction caused by kidney yang deficiency and deficiency of essence and blood.
2. Gecko and Cordyceps: Both enter the Lung and Kidney meridians and are capable of tonifying the kidneys and nourishing the lungs, as well as regulating qi and alleviating wheezing. They can both be used for coughs due to lung deficiency, shortness of breath caused by the kidneys’ failure to regulate qi, and soreness in the lower back and knees resulting from kidney yang deficiency.However, the gecko has a salty and neutral nature with a strong potency; it primarily tonifies lung qi and is particularly effective at regulating qi and alleviating wheezing, making it a key herb for wheezing due to lung and kidney deficiency. It also nourishes essence and blood, and is used for erectile dysfunction caused by kidney deficiency. Cordyceps, on the other hand, has a sweet and neutral nature with a mild potency; it provides balanced tonification to the lungs and kidneys while nourishing essence, making it a key herb for regulating and tonifying various deficiency-related conditions. It also stops bleeding and resolves phlegm, and is frequently used for chronic cough with phlegm and blood.
3. Geji and Psoralea: Both enter the Kidney meridian to warm the Kidneys and assist Yang, anchor Qi, and relieve wheezing. They are primarily used to treat conditions such as impotence and seminal emission due to Kidney Yang deficiency, as well as wheezing due to the Kidneys’ failure to anchor Qi.However, Gekko is salty and neutral in nature and also enters the Lung Meridian; it can additionally tonify Lung Qi, alleviate wheezing and coughing, and nourish essence and blood. It is particularly effective for treating coughs due to Lung deficiency and wheezing and coughing due to Kidney deficiency, and is especially effective for wheezing caused by the Kidney’s failure to retain Qi.Psoralea is pungent, bitter, and warm; it also enters the Spleen Meridian. It possesses astringent properties and can consolidate essence, reduce urination, warm the spleen, and stop diarrhea. It is particularly effective for treating cold pain in the lower back and knees due to yang deficiency and decline of fire, as well as instability of the lower jiao; uterine cold leading to infertility; enuresis and frequent urination; and diarrhea caused by spleen and kidney deficiency.
4. Gekko and Walnut Kernels: Both enter the Kidney and Lung meridians, possessing the ability to warm and tonify the lungs and kidneys, as well as anchor qi and relieve wheezing. They are primarily used to treat coughs due to lung deficiency and wheezing and coughs due to kidney deficiency. However, Gekko is salty and neutral in nature; it also nourishes essence and blood and is particularly effective for treating impotence and seminal emission caused by kidney yang deficiency and deficiency of essence and blood.Walnut kernels are sweet, warm, and oily; they also enter the Large Intestine meridian and can moisten the intestines and relieve constipation, making them suitable for constipation caused by fluid deficiency and intestinal dryness.
5. Geji and Toad Oil: Both herbs are salty and neutral in nature, entering the Lung and Kidney meridians. They can tonify the lungs and nourish the kidneys, and are used to treat chronic coughs resulting from deficiency of the lungs and kidneys. However, geji also has the efficacy of tonifying the kidneys and nourishing essence, as well as balancing yin and yang. Therefore, it can also be used for kidney deficiency with essence depletion, impotence, and uterine cold.Toad oil has a sweet taste and is particularly effective at replenishing the essence and blood of the lungs and kidneys. It strengthens the physique and restores vitality in cases of deficiency and emaciation; thus, it is frequently used to treat post-illness and postpartum conditions, blood loss and qi depletion, weakness and emaciation, mental fatigue, and night sweats. With its sweet and salty, moisturizing properties, it nourishes the lungs and kidneys and moistens the five viscera, making it suitable for treating yin deficiency of the lungs and kidneys, as well as consumptive coughs and hemoptysis.
Related Medicines
Gekko Asthma-Relieving Capsules (Pills), Tingbei Capsules, Hailong Gekko Oral Solution, Huichun Capsules.
Related Prescriptions
Ginseng and Geji Powder (*Wei Sheng Bao Jian*), Enhanced Rehmannia Pills (*Bu Zhi Yi Bi Yao*), and Tianxiong Pills (*Yu Yao Yuan Fang*).
Notes
Patients requiring treatment with traditional Chinese medicine should first consult a licensed TCM hospital, where a TCM practitioner will conduct a professional pattern differentiation and issue a prescription.
Processing & Preparation
Harvesting & Processing
They can be captured year-round. Remove the internal organs, wipe clean, use a bamboo strip to flatten and straighten the body, and dry at a low temperature.
Processing Methods
1. Gekko: Take the raw material, remove the scales, head, and claws, and cut into small pieces.
2. Wine-processed Gekko: Take the gekko pieces, soak them in wine, then remove and dry them in an oven. Alternatively, place yellow wine in a pot and heat over low heat; once the wine comes to a boil, add the cleaned gekko pieces and simmer until the wine is completely evaporated, then remove and let cool.Use 24 g of yellow wine per pair of geckoes.
3. Processed Gecko: Place clean sand in a pot and heat it until hot; add the cleaned gecko pieces and stir-fry until they become crisp and turn yellow; remove, sift out the sand, and grind into a powder.
4. Crispy Gekko: Place the cleaned gekko in a pot, add an appropriate amount of clarified butter, and heat over low heat. Roast until golden yellow and crispy, then remove and let cool.
Storage Methods
Store in a dry, airtight container in a cool, well-ventilated, dry place to prevent insect infestation.
Crude Drug Identification
Properties of Crude Drugs
This product is flat and plate-like, with a total length of 9–18 cm for the head, neck, and trunk; the head and neck account for approximately one-third of this length. The width from back to belly is 6–11 cm, and the tail is 6–12 cm long. The head is slightly flattened and triangular in shape; the eyes are mostly sunken into sockets. The mouth contains fine teeth along the edges of the jaws, with no large, irregularly shaped teeth.The snout is semicircular; the snout scales do not extend to the nostrils and are connected to the nasal scales. There is one upper nasal scale on each side, separated in the middle by a frontal scale. There are 12–14 pairs of upper lip scales and 21 lower lip scales (including the chin scales).The body is oval in shape, with a thin belly. The back is grayish-black or silvery-gray, with yellowish-white or grayish-green spots scattered or clustered into indistinct patterns; the vertebrae and ribs on both sides are prominent. All four limbs have five toes; except for the first toe on the forelimbs, the rest are equipped with hooked claws; there are only faint interdigital grooves, and the bases of the toes have suction cups.The tail is slender and sturdy, with slightly visible segments; it is the same color as the back and bears 6–7 distinct silvery-gray bands.The entire body is covered with orange-red spots and densely covered with round or polygonal, slightly lustrous fine scales, interspersed with purplish-brown wart-like scales; the abdominal scales are square and arranged in a mosaic pattern. It has a fishy odor and a slightly salty taste. Those with large, plump bodies and intact, unbroken tails are considered the best.
Properties of Processed Slices
1. Gegei: Irregular small pieces or flakes; the surface is gray-black or silver-gray with yellow-brown or gray-brown spots; the cross-section is yellowish-white or grayish-white, showing traces of vertebral and rib fractures; it has a slight fishy odor and a slightly salty taste.
2. Wine-Infused Geha: Resembles Geha in shape, with a slight aroma of wine.
3. Processed Geha: Resembles Geha in shape, is yellow in color, and has a crumbly texture.
4. Crispy Geha: Resembles Processed Geha in shape, with a slightly oily sheen.
Botanical Information
Morphological Characteristics
It is the largest species in the family Gekkonidae, with a body length of approximately 30 cm. The head is broad and slightly triangular, with a rounded, convex snout; the ear openings are oval and about half the diameter of the eyes. The eyes are large and protruding; the mouth contains numerous small teeth. The entire body is covered with minute granular scales; the fingers and toes are enlarged and flattened.Males have more than 20 preanal pits; the base of the tail is relatively thick, and the postanal sac opening is distinct. The dorsal surfaces of the trunk and limbs are brick-gray, densely covered with orange-yellow and blue-gray spots; the tail bears alternating light and dark rings, and the ventral surface is white with pink spots.
Distribution Area
It is distributed in Fujian, Taiwan, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan.