Lampetra japonica (Martens)
Aliases：Qī Sāi Mán (Seven-gilled Lamprey), Qī Xīng Zǐ Yú (Seven-star Fish), Qī Xīng Yú (Seven-star Fish), Qī Xīng Mán (Seven-star Lamprey).
Bā Mù Mán (Eight-eyed Lamprey) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material derived from the dried whole body of the Arctic Lamprey (Lampetra japonica (Martens)), a fish belonging to the family Petromyzonidae. The body is eel-shaped, smooth and scaleless, cylindrical anteriorly and laterally compressed posteriorly, reaching over 60 cm in length. It is named “Eight-eyed Lamprey” because it has seven separate gill openings on each side of the head, which, together with the eyes, form a line resembling eight eyes. This medicinal material was first recorded in Jilin Chinese Herbal Medicine.
Efficacy & Actions
Nourishes and strengthens; unblocks the meridians and collaterals; improves vision.
Indications
Indicated for facial paralysis (deviation of the mouth and eyes), night blindness, and corneal dryness.
Ingredients
Vitamin A: The vitamin A content in the meat is higher than that of most fish, approximately 99–980 international units per gram (average 300 IU). Vitamins B₁ and B₁₂: The skin contains significantly higher levels of vitamins B₁ and B₁₂ compared to other fish, with higher concentrations in the abdominal skin than in the dorsal skin. Vitamin A is also found in the liver, kidneys, gonads, and large intestine, with particularly high levels in the testes and small intestine.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: cook and eat, 1–2 pieces. For external use: apply an appropriate amount of fresh herb, crushed and applied topically to the affected area.
Selected Formulas
For facial deviation (facial palsy) (Jilin Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 3 lampreys (seven‑star fish, eight‑eyed eel), crush them into a paste, and apply as a poultice. For deviation to the left, apply to the right side; for deviation to the right, apply to the left side. For night blindness and corneal dryness (Chinese Medicinal Marine Organisms) Take dried lamprey (seven‑star fish) and keep it for use. Take 1 fish each time, twice daily, cooked as a dish.
Daily Consumption
Cooking: Take 1–2 pieces of Eight-eyed Lamprey, wash thoroughly, cook until done, and eat. It may be consumed as a nourishing and strengthening tonic.
Medicinal Parts
The whole body (whole fish) of Lampetra japonica (Martens), an animal belonging to the family Petromyzonidae.
Selection & Storage
Air-dried, or used fresh. Store dried products in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture and mold.
