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Hai Piao Xiao (海螵蛸, Wu Zei Gu), cuttlefish bone, astringes to stop bleeding and vaginal discharge, secures the essence, and controls Stomach acid to relieve epigastric pain and reflux.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Sepiella / Sepia (Endoconcha Sepiae)
Common English Name
Cuttlefish bone
Taste
Salty, astringent
Temperature
Slightly warm
Channels Entered
Liver, Kidney
Actions & Functions
- Astringes and stops bleeding (especially uterine) and vaginal discharge
- Secures the essence
- Controls Stomach acid and relieves pain (reflux, ulcer)
- (External) promotes healing of sores
Indications
Uterine bleeding and vaginal discharge; seminal emission; epigastric pain with acid regurgitation; and non-healing sores (topical).
Dosage
6-12 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Bei Mu (Wu Bei San) to control acid; with Qian Cao for uterine bleeding.
Cautions & Contraindications
Use with caution in yin deficiency with heat (drying).
