The bear's paw, also known as bear's foot, is the paw of the bear species Selenarctos thibetanus G.Cuvier or Ursus arctos Linnaeus. It is mentioned in the book "Rihua Zibencao". After capturing a bear, the paw is chopped off, coated with mud, and hung up to air dry or dried lightly over a low fire. Once dried, the mud is removed and it is stored.
【Processing Method】Take the original medicinal material, remove impurities, wash and air dry. Cut into pieces when ready to use.
【Appearance】The bear's paw is mostly covered with fur and skin. The front paw is wider and shorter, while the hind paw is longer. The palm of the paw is black and covered with thick, dry flesh pads. The surface of the flesh pads is hairless, while the spaces between the toes and the back of the paw are densely covered with black or brownish hairs. It has a pungent smell but not foul.
【Processed Properties】The processed bear's paw is sweet and neutral in nature. It enters the spleen and stomach meridians. It has the functions of dispelling wind and dampness, invigorating the spleen, and supplementing qi. It is used for spleen and stomach weakness, various deficiencies and debilities, and wind-cold-damp arthralgia. Processing the herb makes it clean and easier to formulate and prepare.
