Puffed Pangolin Scales
- Chinese
- 炮山甲
- Pinyin
- Pao Shan Jia
- Latin
- Squama Manitis Praeparata
Known in TCM as Pao Shan Jia (炮山甲), this salty, slightly cold herb enters the Liver and Stomach. Traditionally, it promotes lactation and opens obstructed breast channels in a processed form traditionally favored for easier powdering and administration, most often applied for insufficient lactation, mastitis, and carbuncle. Modern research has identified Keratin among its active constituents.
Part used: Scale
Also Known As
Latin: Squama Manitis Praeparata | Pinyin: Pao Shan Jia | Chinese: 炮山甲
TCM Properties
- Taste
- salty
- Temperature
- slightly cold
- Channels
- Liver, Stomach
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Promotes lactation and opens obstructed breast channels in a processed form traditionally favored for easier powdering and administration.
- Moves blood and softens hard swellings or nodules when obstruction and stasis remain deep and stubborn.
- Helps abscesses mature and drain in older surgery-style herb logic.
Secondary Actions
- Compared with the darker or more generic processed variants, Pao Shan Jia traditionally emphasizes the more expanded, brittle prepared form, but its core indications remain the same.
- The historical processing distinction matters for recordkeeping, even though genuine clinical use is now barred by law and ethics.
Classic Formulas
- Tong Ru Dan for lactation obstruction.
- Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin family logic for swellings and unruptured abscesses.
Classical References
- Traditional usage stayed within the Chuan Shan Jia therapeutic family: blood activation, swelling reduction, lactation opening, and pus expulsion.
- Prepared-form terminology in old materia medica often reflected how the scales were heated and made friable for internal use.
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Keratin matrix
- Minor fatty-acid and dipeptide fractions
Studied Effects
- Modern indexed evidence is limited and overshadowed by the species' critical conservation status, market illegality, and the need for validated substitutes.
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Any attempted modern clinical use of authentic pangolin scales
Cautions
- All pangolin medicinals are ethically and legally unacceptable in current practice.
- Substitute herbs should be chosen for every classical indication represented here.
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs ... additive bleeding risk in historical-use contexts
Conditions
- Insufficient Lactation Traditional ★★★★☆ JSON
- Mastitis Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Carbuncle Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Rheumatism Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Puffed Pangolin Scales used for?
Puffed Pangolin Scales is traditionally used to Promotes lactation and opens obstructed breast channels in a processed form traditionally favored for easier powdering and administration., Moves blood and softens hard swellings or nodules when obstruction and stasis remain deep and stubborn., Helps abscesses mature and drain in older surgery-style herb logic.. Research has investigated its effects on: Modern indexed evidence is limited and overshadowed by the species' critical conservation status, market illegality, and the need for validated substitutes..
What are other names for Puffed Pangolin Scales?
Puffed Pangolin Scales is also known as Expanded prepared pangolin scales. In TCM: 炮山甲 (Pao Shan Jia); Squama Manitis Praeparata.
Is Puffed Pangolin Scales safe during pregnancy?
Puffed Pangolin Scales is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Puffed Pangolin Scales?
Puffed Pangolin Scales should not be used in: Pregnancy; Any attempted modern clinical use of authentic pangolin scales. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.
Does Puffed Pangolin Scales interact with any medications?
Puffed Pangolin Scales may interact with: Anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs ... additive bleeding risk in historical-use contexts. Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.