English: Oyster shells
Chinese: 牡蛎壳
Parts used: The shell
TCM category: Herbs that anchor and calm the SpiritHerbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
TCM nature: Cold
TCM taste(s): Salty
Organ affinity: Bladder Gallbladder Kidney Liver
Scientific name: Ostrea
Other names: Mu Li
Use of Mu Li ke (oyster shells) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Collect shells and dry. Crush before use
Dosage: 15 - 30 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Calms and anchors the spirit. Moistens Dryness. Softens and removes lumps. Nourish the Yin and subdues the overflowing of the Yang,
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Mu Li ke may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Palpitations Insomnia Dizziness Tinnitus Scrofula Abdominal bloating Night sweats Urinary incontinence Abnormal uterine bleeding Leukorrhea Vaginal discharge Headache Restlessness
Contraindications*: Oyster shells should not be used by those who are Cold and weak nor by those with high fever without sweating.
Common TCM formulas in which Mu Li ke is used*
Mu Li San
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Formula key actions: Inhibits sweating . Stabilizes the exterior.
Conditions targeted*: Excessive sweatingPostpartum excessive sweating and others
Mu Li ke is a king ingredient in Mu Li San. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Mu Li San, Mu Li ke salty and slightly cooling. It restrains the Yin, anchors the floating Yang, inhibits sweating, and relieves irritability.
The combination of the key and deputy herbs, one of which benefits the Nutritive level and the other the Protective level, is especially effective in treating this condition.
Feng Yin Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Formula key actions: Extinguishes and pacifies Wind with heavy medicinals. Calms the Mind. Clears Heat.
Conditions targeted*: EpilepsyStroke and others
Mu Li ke is a king ingredient in Feng Yin Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Feng Yin Tang, Mu Li ke is heavy in nature and is used to pacify the Wind. It also calm the Mind.
Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Formula key actions: Rectifies relationship between Yin and Yang. Harmonizes Heart and Kidney. Stabilizes and secures Essence.
Conditions targeted*: EnuresisUrinary incontinence and others
Mu Li ke is a deputy ingredient in Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, Mu Li ke pulls the action of the formula into the Interior, particularly the Heart
Key TCM concepts behind Mu Li ke's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Mu Li ke belongs to the 'Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit' category. These herbs are substances that tranquilize the Mind and treat symptoms such as restlessness, palpitations, anxiety or insomnia. They tend to have sedative properties by weighing the Qi downwards and should generally be used for a limited time only.
Furthermore Mu Li ke is Cold in nature. This means that Mu Li ke typically helps people who have too much 'Heat' in their body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Mu Li ke can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Mu Li ke also tastes Salty. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Salty ingredients like Mu Li ke tends to have a draining effect in the body because they clear accumulations, remove Phlegm and soften hard lumps.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Mu Li ke is thought to target the Bladder, the Gallbladder, the Kidney and the Liver. In TCM the impure water collected by the Kidneys that cannot be used by the body is sent to the Bladder for storage and excretion as urine. Similar to modern medicine, in TCM the Gallbladder stores and releases bile produced by the Liver. It also controls the emotion of decisiveness. The Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.
Research on Mu Li ke
Oyster shell electrolysate may favorably influence osteoporosis by providing a readily available source of calcium.1
Sources:
1. Fujita T, Fukase M, Miyamoto H, Matsumoto T, Ohue T. (1990). Increase of bone mineral density by calcium supplement with oyster shell electrolysate. Bone Miner. , 11(1):85-91.