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Alternate Chinese names: 水马 shuǐ mǎ

Kingdom: Animal

Origin in unofficial sources: Hippocampus kelloggi Jordan et Snyder*; Hippocampus histrix Kaup*; Hippocampus kuda Bleeker*; Hippocampus trimaculatus Leach*; Hippocampus japonicus Kaup*

Use: Medicinal

Properties: Sweet; warm; nontoxic*.

Channel entry: Liver and kidney channels.

Actions and indications: Supplements the kidney and invigorates yáng; regulates qì and quickens the blood. Treats impotence; enuresis; vacuity panting; difficult delivery; conglomerations and accumulations; toxin swelling of clove sores (dīng).

Dosage and method: Oral: Decoct (3–9g); use in powder preparations (0.9–3g). Topical: Grind and sprinkle on the affected area.

Warnings: Contraindicated in pregnancy and yīn vacuity with effulgent fire.

Quality: Large, clean, white sea horses that are intact are the best. Ones that are smaller, dark-colored, and have head or tail missing are inferior.

Production area: Guǎngdōng, Fújiàn, Táiwān.

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