In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and modern pharmaceutical applications,washed cockle shell(processed from the shell of bivalve mollusks such asAnadara subcrenataorAnadara granosa) is a commonly used mineral medicinal material, with its core value lying in its processed form and clear application scope. Below is a concise overview of its key information:
1. Core Processing Requirement: "Washing"
The "washed" process is a prerequisite for its medicinal use, primarily to:
Reduce odors and avoid interference from impurities on its medicinal effects, ensuring the purity and safety of the medicinal material.
2. TCM Properties and Efficacy
According to TCM theory, washed cockle shell has the following characteristics:
Nature and Taste: Salty, astringent, warm; 归肝、肾经 (attributed to the Liver and Kidney Meridians).
Key Efficacies:
Tonify the kidney and consolidate essence: Used for symptoms such as kidney deficiency-induced spermatorrhea, enuresis, and frequent urination.
Astringe to stop bleeding: Applicable to metrorrhagia (abnormal uterine bleeding), leukorrhea (excessive vaginal discharge), and other conditions caused by "deficiency and collapse".
Soften hardness and dissipate nodules: Often combined with other herbs to treat goiters, scrofula (lymph node tuberculosis), and abdominal masses (abnormal lumps in the abdomen) due to phlegm and blood stasis.
3. Modern Pharmaceutical Perspective
From a modern science standpoint, washed cockle shell is rich incalcium carbonate(the main active component) and trace elements (e.g., iron, zinc). Its potential applications include:
As a calcium supplement raw material: After further processing (e.g., calcination, acidolysis), it can be used in calcium-supplement preparations to prevent and treat calcium deficiency (e.g., osteoporosis, rickets).
As an excipient in pharmaceuticals: Due to its stable physical and chemical properties, it can be used as a filler or disintegrant in tablets and capsules.
4. Key Notes for Use
Not for direct consumption: Raw washed cockle shell is hard and insoluble in water; it must be processed (e.g., decocted with other herbs, ground into fine powder, or prepared into formulations) before use to exert its efficacy.
Syndrome differentiation in TCM: It is warm and astringent in nature, so it is not suitable for patients with "excess heat" syndromes (e.g., fever, dry mouth, constipation) or stagnation of qi and blood (to avoid "locking in pathogens").
Follow professional guidance: Whether used in TCM prescriptions or as a pharmaceutical raw material, it should be operated under the guidance of physicians or pharmaceutical technicians to ensure safety and effectiveness.
