Arcae Concha
Aliases：Hān Ké (Ark Shell); Wǎ Wū Zi (Tile-roof Seed); Wǎ Lǒng Zǐ (Tile Ridge Seed); Hān Zǐ Ké (Ark Shell); Huā Xiǎn Ké (Flowered Clam Shell); Wǎ Lǒng Há Pí (Tile Ridge Clam Skin); Xuè Há Pí (Blood Clam Skin); Máo Hān Pí (Hairy Ark Shell Skin).
Duàn Wǎ Lèng Zǐ (Calcined Arcae Concha) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is a processed product of the Chinese medicinal material Wǎ Lèng Zǐ (Arcae Concha) after calcination at high temperature. Wǎ Lèng Zǐ is the shell of Arca subcrenata Lischke, Arca granosa Linnaeus, or Arca inflata Reeve, animals of the Arcidae family.
Efficacy & Actions
Resolves phlegm and removes stasis; softens hardness and disperses masses; neutralizes acid and relieves pain.
Indications
Digestive System Disorders: Primarily used for stomach pain and epigastric upset with acid regurgitation due to liver-stomach disharmony, as well as gastric and duodenal ulcers. Phlegm Nodules and Accumulations: Can be used for stubborn, thick phlegm that is difficult to expectorate, goiter, scrofula, and abdominal masses (zhengjia pikuai).
Modern Pharmacology
Gastric Acid Neutralization: Calcined Arcae Concha can effectively neutralize excess gastric acid, inhibit pepsin activity, and protect the gastric mucosa. After calcination, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is converted into calcium oxide (CaO), which is more alkaline. This allows for better acid neutralization without producing carbon dioxide, thus preventing gastric distension. Promotion of Ulcer Healing: Its mucilaginous colloid can form a protective layer on the gastric and duodenal mucosa, promote granulation tissue growth, and accelerate ulcer healing. Antitumor and Immunomodulatory Effects: Modern studies have suggested potential antitumor and immunomodulatory effects.
Ingredients
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) : Content exceeding 90%. After Calcination: Part of the calcium carbonate decomposes into calcium oxide (CaO). Others: Contains small amounts of calcium phosphate, silicates, phosphates, and inorganic elements such as iron and magnesium.
Usage & Dosage
Decoction: The standard dosage is 9–15g. Due to its hard texture, it should be crushed and decocted first (before other herbs) when used in decoctions. Powder for oral use: 1.5–3g per dose. Topical application: After calcination, grind into powder and mix for external application.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with exuberant damp-heat. Not suitable for patients with loose stools or diarrhea. Not to be used in the absence of blood stasis or phlegm accumulation. Should not be taken together with enzyme preparations.
Selected Formulas
For stomach pain with acid regurgitation (empirical formula) Take 9 liang of WaLengZi (Ark shell, vinegar-quenched 7 times), 6 liang of Wuzeigu (Cuttlefish bone), and 3 liang of Guangpi (Chenpi, stir-fried). Grind into very fine powder. Take 2 qian each time, three times daily, after meals, with boiled water. For various types of qi and blood masses (empirical formula) Take WaLengZi, burn and quench with vinegar three times, then grind into powder and make into pills to take. For premenstrual cramping pain (empirical formula) Take WaLengZi (calcined until red, vinegar-quenched seven times), combined with Xiangfu (Cyperus), Taoren (Peach kernel), and Mudanpi (Moutan bark). Use wine paste to make into pills and take.
Daily Consumption
Ingredients: 10g of Calcined Arcae Concha (Duàn Wǎ Lèng Zǐ), 1 pair of chicken livers, and appropriate amounts of scallions, ginger, salt, and yellow wine. Preparation: Grind the Calcined Arcae Concha into powder. Slice the chicken livers. Mix the liver slices with the powder, scallions, ginger, salt, and yellow wine. Steam the mixture until cooked. Consume once daily. Efficacy: Nourishes the liver, enriches the blood, and neutralizes stomach acid. Suitable for patients with gastric or duodenal bulb ulcers.
Medicinal Parts
Shell.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container in a well-ventilated, dry place.
