Mother-of-pearl
(Zhenzhumu)
Pharmaceutical Name : Margarita
Zoological Name: 1. Pteria martensii (Dunker);
2. Hyriopsis cumingii (Lea); 3. Cristaria
plicata (Leach)
Common Name : Mother-of-pearl, pearl
Source of Earliest Record : Haiyao Bencao
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations : The pearl shells are collected
and ground into powder.
Properties & Taste : Salty and cold
Meridians : Heart and liver
Functions:
1. To pacify the liver and subdue the yang;
2. To clear heat in the liver and brighten
the eyes
Indications & Combinations:
1. Deficient yin of the liver and kidneys
and hyperactivity of liver yang manifested
as headache, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus,
irritability and insomnia. Mother-of-pearl
(Zhenzhumu) is used with White peony root
(Baishao), Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang),
Sea-ear shell (Shijueming) and Dragon's bone
(Longgu).
2. Deficient blood in the liver manifested
as blurred vision and night blindness. Mother-of-pearl
(Zhenzhumu) is used with Atractylodes rhizome
(Cangzhu), Pig liver (Zhugan) and Chicken's
liver (Jigan) or Rabbit's liver (Tugan).
3. Wind and heat in the liver meridian manifested
as red, swollen and painful eyes and photophobia.
Mother-of-pearl (Zhenzhumu) is used with Chrysanthemum
flower (Juhua) and Plantain seed (Cheqianzi).
Dosage: 15-30 g; 0.3-1 g (for pills) |
