Herb Herbs that invigorate the Blood

Wa Leng Zi

Cockle shells | 瓦楞子

Arca subcrenata Lischke, Arca gransa Linnaeus, Arca inflata Reeve

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Salty

Organ Affinity

Stomach, Liver, Lungs

Parts Used

Shells

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Wa Leng Zi

Traditional Actions

Transform Dampness
Soften hardness
Disperse Blood Stagnation
Disperse stagnation and accumulation

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Wa Leng Zi belongs to the 'Herbs that invigorate the Blood' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to stimulate the Blood flow. In TCM they're used to help the circulation of Blood in cardiovascular conditions or menstrual irregularities as well as to treat acute pains caused by Blood Stagnation. They can also be used to treat Blood Stagnation when it causes certain tumors, cysts and hardened clots.

 

Furthermore Wa Leng Zi is Neutral in nature. This means that Wa Leng Zi typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of Wa Leng Zi means that you don't have to worry about that!

 

Wa Leng Zi 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 Wa Leng Zi 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 Wa Leng Zi is thought to target the Stomach, the Liver and the Lung. In TCM the Stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. The Liver on the other hand 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. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.

Common Applications

Abdominal mass Scrofula Goiter Chronic Stomach pain Acid regurgitation Stomach pain Acid reflux Belching Dental ulcers

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Wa Leng Zi

Traditional Preparation

Collect the cockle, wash, briefly boiled in boiling water to remove the flesh, and then dried. Crush to powder before use.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

9-30g

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Wa Leng Zi

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Wa Leng Zi may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

Related Educational Resources

Formulas Containing Wa Leng Zi

Discover traditional and modern TCM formulas that use Wa Leng Zi as an ingredient to understand its clinical applications.

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