Concha Ostreae
Aliases：Duàn Mǔ Lì (Calcined Oyster Shell); Mǔ Lì Duàn (Oyster Shell Calcined); Duàn Zuǒ Mǔ Lì (Calcined Left Oyster Shell).
Duàn Mǔ Lì (Calcined Oyster Shell) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is a processed product of oyster shells.
Efficacy & Actions
Astringes and consolidates, neutralizes acid and relieves pain.
Indications
Spontaneous sweating and night sweats: Involuntary sweating during the day (spontaneous sweating) or sweating during sleep at night (night sweats) due to body weakness and insecurity of the defensive qi. Spermatorrhea and seminal emission: Involuntary discharge of semen in men (spermatorrhea) or frequent, uncontrolled seminal emission (seminal emission) due to kidney deficiency and insecurity. Metrorrhagia, metrostaxis, and leukorrhea: Uterine bleeding outside of menstruation (metrorrhagia/metrostaxis) or excessive, thin vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) in women. Stomach pain and acid regurgitation: Stomach pain, acid reflux, heartburn, and related symptoms caused by excessive stomach acid.
Modern Pharmacology
Antacid and Anti-ulcer Effects: The calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate it contains can neutralize stomach acid and have anti-experimental gastric ulcer effects. Sedative and Anticonvulsant Effects: Exhibits sedative and anticonvulsant effects on the central nervous system. Immunomodulatory Effect: Enhances immune function. Other Effects: Also possesses analgesic, hypoglycemic, and antithrombotic pharmacological activities.
Ingredients
Calcined oyster shell (Duàn Mǔ Lì) mainly contains calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), calcium phosphate (Ca₃(PO₄)₂), and calcium sulfate (CaSO₄), among other compounds. After high-temperature calcination, some of the calcium carbonate decomposes into calcium oxide (CaO). In addition, it also contains proteins, various amino acids (such as aspartic acid, glycine, and glutamic acid), as well as multiple trace elements including magnesium, sodium, strontium, iron, zinc, and copper.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 9–30g.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold: As this herb is slightly cold in nature, it may worsen symptoms in patients with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold (often presenting as poor appetite, abdominal distension, cold pain in the abdomen, and loose stools). Contraindicated in patients with damp-heat or excess pathogens: Due to its astringent nature, it may trap pathogens inside. Therefore, it is not suitable for patients with external contraction syndromes, exuberant damp-heat, or constipation. Other contraindications: Also contraindicated in patients with deficiency without heat and those with kidney yang deficiency. Contraindicated for individuals with allergies: Those allergic to oysters should not use this herb.
Selected Formulas
For spontaneous sweating and night sweats (Taiping Huimin Heji Ju Fang, Muli San) Take calcined Muli (Oyster shell), combined with Huangqi (Astragalus), Mahuanggen (Ephedra root), and Fuxiaomai (Floating wheat). Decoct in water and drink. For spermatorrhea and nocturnal emission (Yifang Jijie, Jinsuo Gujing Wan) Take calcined Muli with Shayuanzi (Astragalus complanatus seed), Qianshi (Euryale seed), Lianzi (Lotus seed), and Longgu (Dragon bone). Make into pills and take. For stomach pain with acid regurgitation (empirical formula) Take calcined Muli, often combined with Haipiaoxiao (Cuttlefish bone) and Walengzi (Ark shell) – herbs that neutralize gastric acid. Decoct in water and drink to relieve acid-related pain. For night sweats (empirical formula: Muli Diqi Tang) Take 30g of calcined Muli (decoct first), 30g of Huangqi, and 20g of Shengdi (Rehmannia). Decoct together and drink.
Daily Consumption
Decoction for Oral Use: Take 9–30g of calcined oyster shell (Duàn Mǔ Lì), crush it, and decoct it first for 20–30 minutes. Strain the liquid and drink it warm.
Medicinal Parts
Shell.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry place, protected from moisture and dust.
