Zhen Zhu Mu (Concha Margaritifera Usta)

Zhen Zhu Mu (珍珠母), mother-of-pearl, calms the Liver and anchors ascendant yang, settles and calms the spirit, and clears Liver heat to benefit the eyes.

Zhēn Zhū Mǔ  ·  珍珠母

Latin / Pharmaceutical Name

Concha Margaritifera (mother-of-pearl)

Common English Name

Mother-of-pearl shell

Taste

Salty

Temperature

Cold

Channels Entered

Liver, Heart

Actions & Functions

  • Calms the Liver and anchors ascendant yang
  • Settles and calms the spirit
  • Clears Liver heat and benefits the eyes

Indications

Liver yang rising with dizziness and headache; palpitations, anxiety and insomnia; and red, painful eyes and blurred vision.

Dosage

15-30 g, decocted first.

Common Combinations

With Shi Jue Ming and Gou Teng for Liver-yang headache and dizziness.

Cautions & Contraindications

Use with caution in Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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