Witnessed by: TCM
Pig spinal cord (Sus scrofa domesticus), of the Suidae (Mammalia) family. The domestic pig; the drug is the spinal cord drawn from the vertebral canal; native range: gathered wherever pigs are slaughtered. Globally recognized as zhu ji sui (豬脊髓) in Chinese, and pig spinal cord, pork spinal marrow in English. The part used is the spinal cord. A soft white glistening rope of tissue sheathed in fine membrane, fragile and easily broken, faintly sweet, cooking to a rich custard-like softness.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
PIG SPINAL CORD
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- pig spinal cord
- Scientific name
- Sus scrofa domesticus Erxleben, 1777
- Family
- Suidae (Mammalia)
Form
- Part used
- the spinal cord
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet (甘)
Temperature
- TCM
- cold (寒)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Kidney
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- nourishes yin and enriches the kidney, and fills the marrow and strengthens the bones
Cautions
- Contraindications
- damp-phlegm and cold, weak digestion, where the richness cloys
- Toxicity
- none as a food when fresh and thoroughly cooked; spoils rapidly, and very rich
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