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Alternate Chinese names: 珠牡 zhū mǔ; 珠母 zhū mǔ; 明珠母 míng zhū mǔ

Kingdom: Animal

Origin in PRC Pharmacopoeia: Pteria martensii (Dunker); Hyriopsis cumingii (Lea); Cristaria plicata (Leach) . (PRC Pharmacopoeia)

Origin in unofficial sources: Pteria margaritifera (L.); Pteria martensii (Dunker) *; Hyriopsis cumingii (Lea) *; Cristaria plicata (Leach) *; Anodonta woodiana Lea

Use: Medicinal

Category: Liver-calming wind-extinguishing agents / Liver-calming yáng-subduing agents

Properties: Salty; cold.

Channel entry: Liver and heart channels.

Actions and indications:

• Calms the liver and subdues yáng: Ascendant hyperactivity of liver yáng with dizziness.
• Clears the liver and brightens the eyes: Painful red swollen eyes, clouded vision or flowery vision.
• Settles the heart and quiets the spirit: Disquieted heart spirit (heart palpitation, insomnia); epilepsy; mania and withdrawal.
• Additional uses: Zhēn zhū mǔ can dry dampness and close sores when it is ground to a fine powder and applied topically. It is used this way to treat damp sores with itching. Modern applications: In recent years, powdered zhēn zhū mǔ has been used orally to treat peptic and duodenal ulcers. It has also been processed into solutions for application to the eye in the treatment of conjunctivitis, cataracts, and keratitis.

Dosage and method: Oral: 15–30g in decoctions, crushed and predecocted; it is also used externally.

Warnings: Use with care in pregnancy.

Quality: Large white pieces that is loose and flaky are best.

Production area: Jiāngsū, Zhèjiāng, Húběi, ānhuī.

See: Zhēn zhū (珍珠 Margarita , pearl)

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