浙貝母
Purple cowrie shell (Zibeichi)
Pharmaceutical Name: Concha Mauritiae
Zoological Name: Mauritia arabica (L)
Common Name: Purple cowrie shell
Source of Earliest Record: Xinxiu Bencao
Part Used: The shells are collected in summer, then cleaned, dried in the sun and broken into pieces.
Natural Properties & Taste: Salty and neutral
Meridians: Liver
Therapeutic Effects:
1. To calm the heart and tranquilize the mind.
2. To clear heat in the liver and brighten eyes.
Indications:
1. Palpitations, irritability, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep or infantile convulsions due to high fever. Purple cowrie shell (Zibeichi) is used with Coptis root (Huanglian), Mother-of-pearl (Zhenzhumu) and Antelope’s horn (Lingyangjiao).
2. Wind and heat in the liver meridian manifested as red, swollen and painful eyes or visual obstruction. or hyperactivity of liver yang manifested as dizziness, vertigo and headache. Purple cowrie shell (Zibeichi) is used with Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua), Mulberry leaf (Sangye) and Uncaria stem (Gouteng).
Dosage: 10-15 g
Cautions & Contraindications: The substance is cooked before the other herbs.
