Clam Shell – 1 lb (454 g)

Clam Shell, known in Chinese as 蛤壳 (Géké) and scientifically as Concha Meretricis seu Cyclinae, is a valued herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This TCM herb has been traditionally used to support natural wellness, maintain vitality, and encourage holistic balance. At TCMforyou.com, we provide premium-quality Clam Shell carefully sourced to preserve its therapeutic properties.

As a herbal supplement, Clam Shell helps promote overall well-being and supports natural energy, immunity, and balance. Integrating this herb into your wellness routine offers a gentle, time-tested approach to enhancing daily health. Whether brewed as tea, added to herbal remedies, or taken as part of a TCM formula, Clam Shell provides a safe, natural way to experience the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine.

Trusted for centuries, Clam Shell has been used in TCM to harmonize the body and encourage optimal functioning of key systems. At TCMforyou, we prioritize authenticity and quality. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure purity and potency, delivering an herbal product aligned with traditional practices.

Experience the natural support of Clam Shell, promoting immune health, vitality, and holistic well-being. Embrace the wisdom of TCM and incorporate this gentle, effective herbal remedy into your daily wellness journey.

[Overview] This item is also known as Sea Meretrix Shell or Clam Shell. It is the shell of animals from the family Veneridae, specifically Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus or Cyclina sinensis Gmelin. It is produced along various coastal regions. Harvested in spring and autumn, the meat is removed, then washed and sun-dried.

[Properties] Bitter and salty in taste, cold in nature. Enters the Lung, Kidney, and Stomach meridians.

[Actions] Clears Lung heat and transforms phlegm; softens hardness and dissipates nodules; neutralizes stomach acid and relieves pain; promotes urination and reduces swelling; restrains dampness and promotes healing of sores.

[Applications]
1. Used for phlegm-heat cough with thick yellow sputum that is difficult to expectorate; often combined with Haifushih (Haematitum) and Gualouren (Trichosanthes seed). If Liver fire invades the Lung causing cough with blood-tinged sputum, often combined with powdered Qingdai (Indigo naturalis), as in the formula Daigai San (黛蛤散). For Yin deficiency with internal heat and red sputum, treated with Meretrix shell powder mixed with Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin).
2. Used for goiter and scrofula. For goiter, often combined with Haizao (Sargassum), Kunbu (Laminaria), and Haipiaoxiao (Sepiae Endoconcha), as in the formula Sihai Shuyu Wan (四海舒郁丸). For scrofulous phlegm nodules, often combined with Xiakucao (Prunella), Muli (Oyster shell), Zhebeimu (Fritillaria thunbergii), Xuanshen (Scrophularia), and Shancigu (Cremastra).
3. Used for stomach pain and acid regurgitation; after calcining, ground into powder for oral use, or combined with Wujiegu (Sepia bone), Gancao (Licorice), and Yanhusuo (Corydalis) for treatment. Currently commonly used for gastritis and gastric or duodenal ulcers.
4. Used for phlegm-fluid retention edema or damp-heat pouring downward causing stranguria, leukorrhea, and seminal emission. For phlegm-fluid stagnation with wheezing, edema, chest and hypochondriac fullness, inability to lie flat, combined with Tinglizi (Descurainia seed), Sangbaipi (Mulberry root bark), Fangji (Stephania), and Yuliren (Prunus seed). For damp-heat pouring downward causing leukorrhea and seminal emission, combined with Huangbai (Phellodendron). For damp-heat leukorrhea, combined with Chungen Baipi (Toona root bark) and Cheqianzi (Plantago seed).
5. Used externally for eczema, burns, and ulcers; can be ground with Qingdai (Indigo naturalis), Shigao (Gypsum), Qingfen (Calomel), and Huangbai (Phellodendron) into a fine powder and mixed with sesame oil for topical application, as in Qingge San (青蛤散).
Additionally, used for persistent nosebleeds and bloody stools by taking Meretrix shell powder with Huaihua (Sophora flower) powder orally; for eye phlegm turbidity, cataracts, and night blindness, combined with Gujingcao (Valeriana) or Yemingsha (Nacre) and cooked with pig liver, drinking the soup after eating.

[Dosage and Administration] Internal use: decoct 6–15 g, preferably decocted first with Meretrix shell powder wrapped in cloth; or included in Pingchuan Wan or powders. External use: appropriate amount, ground into powder and sprinkled or mixed for topical application. Use raw for clearing heat and transforming phlegm; calcined for neutralizing acid and astringing.

[Cautions] Use with caution in cases of Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold.

[Modern Research] Chemical constituents mainly include calcium carbonate and chitin.