Cuttlefish Bone (Wu Zei Gu)

烏賊骨-海螵蛸
Cuttlefish bone (Wuzeigu)

Pharmaceutical Name: Os Sepiae seu Sepiellae

Zoological Name: 1. Sepiella maindroni de Rochebrune. 2. Sepia esculenta Hoyle

Common Name: Cuttlefish bone, Cuttlebone

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used: The cuttlefish is caught from April to August. The bone is removed from the fish and dried for twenty-four hours.

Natural Properties & Taste: Salty, astringent and slightly warm

Meridians: Liver and kidney

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To astringe and stop bleeding.
2. To control the essence and relieve leukorrhea.
3. To restrain hyperacidity and stop pain.
4. To promote healing of ulcers

Indications & Combinations:

1. Hemorrhage. Cuttlefish bone (Wuzeigu) is used with Rubia root (Qiancao), Carbonized petiole of windmill palm (Zonglutan) and Donkey hide gelatin (Ejiao). Cuttlefish bone (Wuzeigu) can be used alone for bleeding due to external injuries.

2. Deficiency of the kidneys manifested as seminal emissions or leukorrhea. Cuttlefish bone (Wuzeigu) is used with Dogwood fruit (Shanzhuyu), Dioscorea (Shanyao), Dadder seed (Tusizi) and Oyster shell (Muli).

3. Stomach pain and acid regurgitation. Cuttlefish bone (Wuzeigu) is used with Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu) in the formula Wu Bei San.

4. Eczema or chronic ulcers. Cuttlefish bone (Wuzeigu) is used with Phellodendron bark (Huangbai) and Natural indigo (Qingdai) for external use in powder form.

Dosage: 6-12 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This substance is contraindicated in cases with deficient yin and excessive heat.