Purple
cowrie shell (Zibeichi)
Pharmaceutical Name : Concha Mauritiae
Zoological Name : Mauritia arabica (L)
Common Name : Purple cowrie shell
Source of Earliest Record : Xinxiu Bencao
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations : The shells are collected in
summer, then cleaned, dried in the sun and
broken into pieces.
Properties & Taste : Salty and neutral
Meridian : Liver
Functions :
1. To calm the heart and tranquilize the mind;
2. To clear heat in the liver and brighten
eyes
Indications & Combinations:
1. Palpitations, irritability, insomnia,
dream-disturbed sleep or infantile convulsions
due to high fever. Purple cowrie shell (Zibeichi)
is used with Coptis root (Huanglian), Mother-of-pearl
(Zhenzhumu) and Antelope's horn (Lingyangjiao).
2. Wind and heat in the liver meridian manifested
as red, swollen and painful eyes or visual
obstruction; or hyperactivity of liver yang
manifested as dizziness, vertigo and headache.
Purple cowrie shell (Zibeichi) is used with
Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua), Mulberry leaf
(Sangye) and Uncaria stem (Gouteng).
Dosage: 10-15 g
Cautions & Contraindications:
The substance is cooked before the other herbs. |
