Oyster Shell … Classic Formulas
Mu Li · Concha Ostreae
Primary Actions
- Pacifies the Liver and subdues Yang; treats dizziness, tinnitus, headache, and irritability from Liver Yang rising
- Softens hardness and dissipates nodulation; used for scrofula, goiter, and abdominal masses
- Astringes and stops discharge; treats spontaneous sweating, night sweats, spermatorrhea, and abnormal uterine bleeding from unstable Essence
Classic Formulas
- Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction Plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell)
Classical Text References
- Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage, Zhang Zhongjing, c. 200 CE) pairs Mu Li with Long Gu (Dragon Bone) for anchoring floating Yang and calming the Spirit