Pearl Shell: Efficacy and Functions

Pearl Shell: Efficacy and Functions

Pearl shell is a common traditional Chinese medicinal material with multiple therapeutic effects. The primary medicinal values are as follows:

• Calming the Liver and Suppressing Hyperactive Yang
  Pearl shell is cold in nature and heavy in quality, acting on the liver meridian. It effectively pacifies liver yang and alleviates symptoms such as headache, dizziness, tinnitus, and facial flushing caused by liver yang hyperactivity. It is commonly used for conditions like hypertension and dizziness resulting from liver yang hyperactivity. It can be combined with other liver-calming herbs such as abalone shell and oyster shell to enhance efficacy.

  
  

• Clearing Liver Heat and Improving Vision
  Pearl shell has the functions of clearing liver fire, improving eyesight, and removing visual obstructions. It can be used to treat eye conditions such as red, swollen, and painful eyes, blurred vision, and corneal opacities. It also provides auxiliary treatment for cataracts, keratitis, and conjunctivitis. It is often used in combination with vision-improving herbs like chrysanthemum and plantain seed.

  
  

• Sedative and Tranquilizing Effects
  Acting on the heart meridian, pearl shell has a heavy, calming property that helps relieve restlessness, palpitations, insomnia, irritability, and manic or epileptic episodes. It is particularly suitable for insomnia caused by yin deficiency and internal heat. It can be combined with sedative herbs such as spine date seed, arborvitae seed, and cinnabar.

  
  

• Drying Dampness and Promoting Astringency
  When applied externally as a powder, pearl shell helps dry dampness and promote astringency. It is used to treat damp-related skin conditions such as eczema, itching, chronic non-healing ulcers, and mouth sores. It aids in wound healing and reduces exudation.

  
  

• Other Functions
  Pearl shell is rich in calcium, which helps supplement calcium and strengthen bones, preventing osteoporosis. Additionally, its components possess anti-allergic and antioxidant properties, providing certain benefits in alleviating allergic dermatitis and improving memory.

Precautions:
Due to its cold nature, pearl shell should be used with caution in individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency cold, qi deficiency with sinking, or during pregnancy. It is essential to follow a healthcare professional's guidance when using this herb.