1. Aliases
Pearl, clam pearl, vermilion, pearl.
2. Animal morphology
The shell is diagonally square in shape. The shell is thin and brittle. The shell length is almost equal to the height. The top of the shell is located in the front, with ears on both sides. The front ears are small, while the back ears are large. The two shells are not equal, the front of the right shell is relatively flat, the left shell is slightly convex, and there is a noticeable foot concavity below the front ear of the right shell. The concentric growth patterns on the shell surface are fine and dense, in the form of flakes, thin and brittle, and easily detached. The shell surface is light yellow brown, often with several black brown radiation rays. The inner surface of the shell has a well-developed pearl layer with a strong pearl luster, and the edges are light yellow. The closed shell muscle scar is large, located slightly behind the center of the shell, elongated, and slightly pointed at the front end.
3. Origin distribution
Residing in bays with relatively calm winds and waves, attached to rocks or rocks with filaments. It grows better in areas with abundant sediment, rocks or gravel, smooth tides, and fertile water quality. Distributed along the coasts of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan, especially in the Beibu Gulf. Currently, it is mostly artificially cultivated.
4. Harvesting and processing
Natural pearls can be harvested all year round. Take clams, dissect pearls, and wash thoroughly. After 2-3 years of cultivation, artificially cultivated pearl mussels grow well and have beautiful pearl luster, which can be harvested.
5. Characteristics of medicinal herbs
Round, elongated, oval or rod-shaped, with a diameter of 1.5-8 millimeters. The surface is quasi white, light pink, light yellow green or light blue, semi transparent, smooth or slightly concave convex, with a unique colorful luster. Hard in texture, with layered patterns on the fractured surface. Mild and tasteless.
6. Nature, taste, and meridian tropism
Cold in nature, sweet and salty in taste. Guixin Meridian and Liver Meridian.
7. Effect and function
Calm the mind and calm the shock, brighten the eyes and dispel haze, detoxify and promote muscle growth. An important sedative that belongs to the subcategory of sedatives.
8. Clinical applications
Dosage: 0.1-0.3 grams, add more pills and powder; Apply in moderation for external use, grind and sprinkle or drop on the eye. Used to treat palpitations, insomnia, convulsions, epilepsy, blurred vision, and ulcers.
9. Main components
It mainly contains calcium carbonate and more than 20 types of amino acids, as well as inorganic elements such as sodium, magnesium, potassium, strontium, etc. Experiments have shown that pearl hydrolysate has a delaying effect on aging, significantly reducing SOD activity, LPO production, and lowering the content of lipofuscin in aged rats; Its extract PFC has antioxidant effects, can inhibit free radical reactions, and clear superoxide anion in the body
10. Taboos for use
Pregnant women should take medication with caution.
The content of the article is for clinical reference only. Non professionals in traditional Chinese medicine are not allowed to try medication.