Natural Herb Library

Mutton

Chinese
羊肉
Pinyin
Yang Rou
Latin
Caro Caprae Seu Ovis
Scientific specimen plate of Mutton, Caro Caprae Seu Ovis, showing clean meat cuts, tonic preparation context, and diagnostic food-medicine details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Yang Rou (羊肉), this sweet, warm herb enters the Spleen and Kidney. Traditionally, it warms the Middle Burner and strengthens the Spleen and Stomach; a food-medicine used for cold-pattern digestive weakness and general debility, most often applied for digestive weakness, fatigue, and kidney yang deficiency. Modern research has identified Complete among its active constituents.

Part used: Flesh

Also Known As

Lamb Sheep Meat Capra

Latin: Caro Caprae Seu Ovis | Pinyin: Yang Rou | Chinese: 羊肉

TCM Properties

Taste
sweet
Temperature
warm
Channels
Spleen, Kidney

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Warms the Middle Burner and strengthens the Spleen and Stomach; a food-medicine used for cold-pattern digestive weakness and general debility
  • Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang; supports postpartum recovery and cold-constitution wellness

Secondary Actions

  • A gentle, food-grade warming tonic suited for gradual, long-term constitutional strengthening, in contrast to fast-acting but drying Yang tonics such as Rou Gui or Fu Zi

Classic Formulas

  • Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang (Angelica, Fresh Ginger, and Mutton Decoction)

Classical References

  • Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essentials from the Golden Cabinet, Zhang Zhongjing, c. 200 CE) includes Yang Rou in a warming decoction for postpartum and Cold-Deficiency abdominal pain

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Complete protein
  • Iron and zinc
  • B vitamins

Studied Effects

  • Studied primarily as a nutrient-dense food source; dedicated pharmacological research specific to its traditional warming action is limited

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Excess Heat or Yin-deficiency Heat patterns

Cautions

  • Rich, warming food; excessive intake may aggravate Heat or Damp-Heat conditions

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mutton used for?

Mutton is traditionally used to Warms the Middle Burner and strengthens the Spleen and Stomach; a food-medicine used for cold-pattern digestive weakness and general debility, Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang; supports postpartum recovery and cold-constitution wellness. Research has investigated its effects on: Studied primarily as a nutrient-dense food source; dedicated pharmacological research specific to its traditional warming action is limited.

What are other names for Mutton?

Mutton is also known as Lamb, Sheep Meat, Capra. In TCM: 羊肉 (Yang Rou); Caro Caprae Seu Ovis.

Is Mutton safe during pregnancy?

Mutton is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified practitioner before use.

What are the contraindications for Mutton?

Mutton should not be used in: Excess Heat or Yin-deficiency Heat patterns. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.