Oyster
shell (Muli)
Pharmaceutical Name : Concha Ostreae
Zoological Name : 1. Ostrea gigas Thunb.;
2. Ostrea talienwhanensis Cross; 3. Ostrea
rivularia Gould
Common Name : Oyster shell
Source of Earliest Record : Shennong Bencao
Jing
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations : Oyster shells are collected
from the ocean in winter or spring. They are
cleaned and dried in the sun, then pounded
into powder.
Properties & Taste : Salty and slightly
cold
Meridians : Liver and kidney
Functions:
1. To pacify the liver and subdue the yang;
2. To soften hardness and release nodules;
3. To stop perspiration, nocturnal emissions
and leukorrhagia by astringents
Indications & Combinations:
1. Deficient yin of the liver and kidneys
and upward flaring of yang manifested as dizziness,
vertigo, blurred vision, tinnitus, palpitations,
irritability and insomnia. Oyster shell (Muli)
is used with Dragon's bone (Longgu), Tortoise
plastron (Guiban) and White peony root (Baishao).
2. Late stage of febrile disease with exhaustion
of yin and body fluids which leads to malnutrition
of tendons and muscles manifested as spasms,
or convulsions. Oyster shell (Muli) is used
with Tortoise plastron (Guiban), Donkey hide
gelatin (Ejiao), White peony root (Baishao)
and Turtle shell (Biejia) in the formula Sanjia
Fumai Tang.
3. Scrofula due to phlegm and fire. Oyster
shell (Muli) is used with Thunberg fritillary
bulb (Zhebeimu) and Scrophularia (Xuanshen)
in the formula Xiaolei Wan.
4. Spontaneous sweating and night sweating
due to weakness of the body. Oyster shell
(Muli) is used with Astragalus root (Huangqi),
Ephedra root (Mahuanggen) and Light wheat
(Fuxiaomai) in the formula Muli San.
5. Nocturnal emissions due to kidney deficiency.
Oyster shell (Muli) is used with Flattened
milkvetch seed (Shayuanzi), Euryale seed (Qianshi)
and Lotus stamen (Lianxu) in the formula Jinsuo
Gujing Wan.
6. Uterine bleeding and leukorrhagia due
to deficient Chong and Ren meridians. Oyster
shell (Muli) is used with Dragon's bone (Longgu),
Dioscorea (Shanyao) and Schisandra fruit (Wuweizi).
Dosage: 15-30 g |
