WH Acupuncture & Herbs Centre

Zhenzhumu is the shell of Hyripsis cumingii(Lea) and Cristaria plicata (Leach)of Unionidae or Pteria martensii (Dunker),pertaining to Pteriidae. It is collected all the year around. After the flesh is removed, it is washed and dried. The raw form is used or after calcined. It is pounded for administration.

[ Medicinal Properties ]: Salty and cold; relate to liver and heart meridians.

[ Medicinal Efficacies ]: Pacify liver, subdue yang; induce sedation and tranquilization; clear liver and improve vision.

[ Clinical Applications ]: 1. Dizziness and dizzy vision      Zhenzhumu usually treats headache, dizziness, tinnitus, palpitation and insomnia, due to liver yin deficiency with hyperactivity of liver yang, usually combined with Baishao and Shengdihuang; for example, in the Jiayi Guizang Decoction. Also, it treats vexation and bad temper due to liver heat, combined with Gouteng and Xiakucao.

2. Fright palpitations, insomnia, epilepsy, convulsions and spasms          For palpitations, insominia, uneasiness, usually it is combined with Zhusha and Longgu. For epilepsy, convulsion and spasms, it is combined with Tianma and Gouteng.

3. Reddish eyes, nebula and blurred vision        In case of reddish eyes, photophobia and nebula due to liver heat, it is usually combined with Shijueming and Juhua. For blurred vision and  night blindness due to liver insufficiency, it is in combination with  Cangzhu and pig liver of chicken liver. Nowadays, it is usually processed into eye ointment to treat cataract, keratitis and conjuctivitis.

Also it is ground for external application to dry dampness and astringe to treat eczema and itching, and for oral administration to treat gastroduodenal ulcer.

[ Usage and Dosage ]: 10-25g. It is pounded and decocted early when it is used in decoction. Also it is used in pills and powder, as well as externally.

[ Precautions ]: Be cautious with deficiency-cold in spleen and stomach and for pregnant woman.

珍珠母为蚌科动物三角帆蚌Hyriopsis cumingii (Lea)、褶纹冠蚌Cristaria plicata (Leach) 或珍珠贝科动物马氏珍珠贝Pteria martensii (Dunker) 的贝壳。前两种在全国的江河湖沼中均产；后一种主产于海南岛、广东、广西沿海。全年可采，去肉，洗净，干燥。生用或煅用。用时打碎。