Zi Bei Chi
Unknown
☯ TCM Properties
Calms the Liver, anchors Yang and sedates fright (calms the Shen) and Calms convulsions.; Clears the Liver, cools Heat and brightens the eyes; Promotes diuresis
Botanical Description
Zi Bei Chi ("purple cowrie shell") is the dried shell of marine gastropod molluscs of the genus Cypraea (Cypraeidae), notably Mauritia arabica and related species collected from tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific waters. The shell is ovoid, smooth and highly glossy, with a long, narrow, toothed aperture running the length of the underside; the dorsal surface bears variable purplish-brown to violet mottling on a paler ground. As an animal-derived material made principally of aragonite calcium carbonate with a thin proteinaceous periostracum, it is not a plant and has no botanical morphology. Shells are cleansed, sometimes calcined, and crushed for medicinal use.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.