Oyster - mu li

The Chinese medicine oyster is the dried shell of the marine shellfish oyster. It is used as medicine after processing. It belongs to the category of liver-soothing and yang-soothing drugs and astringent drugs. It is slightly cold in nature, salty in taste, and belongs to the liver and kidney meridians. It has the effects of calming the liver and suppressing yang, softening and dispersing nodules, astringing and consolidating. It is often used to treat dizziness, phlegm nodules, scrofula, spontaneous sweating and night sweats.

1. Efficacy and clinical application
Soothing the liver and suppressing yang 1.
Oyster can clear liver fire and calm liver yang. It is suitable for symptoms such as headache, dizziness, tinnitus, irritability and irritability caused by hyperactivity of liver yang. It is often used in combination with dragon bone, white peony, etc. in clinical practice, such as Zhengan Xifeng Decoction.

Softening and dispersing nodules 2.
Oyster can dissolve phlegm and blood stasis, and is used to treat scrofula (lymph node tuberculosis), phlegm nodules (subcutaneous nodules), goiter, etc. It is often used in combination with Scrophularia, Fritillaria, etc., such as Xiaoluo Pills.

Astringent and firm 3.
Calcinated oyster (cooked oyster) can consolidate body fluids and improve spontaneous sweating, night sweats, spermatorrhea, leucorrhea, metrorrhagia and other symptoms of slippery and loose. It is often used with astragalus and ephedra root, such as Yupingfeng powder.

2. Modern research and ingredients
Chemical composition 1.
Oyster contains calcium carbonate (80%-95%), and contains a variety of amino acids, trace elements (such as zinc, selenium), taurine and a small amount of protein. Among them, calcium can neutralize gastric acid, and zinc helps to improve immunity.

Pharmacological effects 2.
Calming and tranquilizing: Oyster extract can regulate the central nervous system, relieve anxiety and insomnia.
Anti-acid and stomach protection: calcium carbonate can neutralize gastric acid, relieve stomach pain and acid reflux.
Immunity regulation: polysaccharide components can enhance macrophage activity and improve disease resistance.
3. Usage and precautions
Oral use 1.
The common dosage of decoction is 9-30 grams. It needs to be crushed and decocted for more than 20 minutes to release the effective ingredients.
Raw oysters are mostly used to calm the liver and disperse knots, while calcined oysters (after calcination) are mostly used for astringency and firming.
External use 2.
Calcinated oysters are ground into powder and applied externally to treat eczema, sores and ulcers that do not heal after ulceration, etc.

Precautions 3.
Use with caution for weak and cold constitution: oysters are slightly cold in nature, and people with weak spleen and stomach may have diarrhea.
Allergy risk: Some people may be allergic to shellfish ingredients, so be cautious.
Long-term use requires monitoring: high calcium may affect the absorption of iron and zinc, or cause constipation.
4. Common compatibility
Oysters with dragon bones 1.
Both can calm the liver and suppress yang, and calm the mind. Combining them can enhance the sedative and calming effect, suitable for insomnia and palpitations.

Oyster with Scrophularia 2.
Scrophularia nourishes yin and reduces fire, while oyster softens and disperses nodules. Together, they treat scrofula caused by phlegm and fire.

Oyster with Astragalus 3.
Astragalus replenishes qi and strengthens the exterior, while calcined oyster astringes and stops sweating. Together, they treat spontaneous sweating caused by qi deficiency.