Natural Herb Library

Sea-Ear Shell

Chinese
石决明
Pinyin
Shi Jue Ming
Latin
Concha Haliotidis
Scientific specimen plate of Sea-Ear Shell, Haliotis spp., showing abalone shell material and diagnostic specimen details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Shi Jue Ming (石决明), this salty, cold herb enters the Liver. Traditionally, it subdues Liver Yang and anchors rising activity ... Shi Jue Ming is a classic heavy shell medicine for headache, dizziness, irritability, and hypertension-pattern symptoms when Liver Yang rises upward, most often applied for hypertension, blurred vision, and conjunctivitis. Modern research has identified Calcium among its active constituents.

Part used: Shell

Also Known As

Abalone Shell Haliotidis Concha

Latin: Concha Haliotidis | Pinyin: Shi Jue Ming | Chinese: 石决明

TCM Properties

Taste
salty
Temperature
cold
Channels
Liver

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Subdues Liver Yang and anchors rising activity ... Shi Jue Ming is a classic heavy shell medicine for headache, dizziness, irritability, and hypertension-pattern symptoms when Liver Yang rises upward.
  • Clears Liver heat and benefits the eyes ... red, painful, swollen eyes and blurred vision are among its best-known indications.
  • Supports chronic eye weakness when combined with Yin- or Blood-nourishing herbs ... especially when the eyes are not only inflamed but also undernourished.

Secondary Actions

  • The raw heavy shell is the main internal-liver-calming lane, while calcined forms have additional traditional external eye use.
  • Shi Jue Ming overlaps conceptually with other eye herbs but is distinguished by its shell heaviness and Yang-anchoring action rather than by gentle seed-like cooling alone.

Classic Formulas

  • Jue Ming Wan and related eye-support formulas ... Shi Jue Ming is paired with Blood- and Yin-nourishing herbs for chronic visual decline.
  • Liver-Yang-rising formula modifications with Gou Teng, Ju Hua, and Xia Ku Cao ... a common modern-classical pattern for headache, dizziness, and red eyes.
  • Topical calcined-powder applications in older ophthalmic practice ... especially for stubborn external eye complaints.

Classical References

  • Traditional commentary repeatedly says Shi Jue Ming is one of the key shell medicinals for settling the Liver and brightening the eyes.
  • Its salty cold nature is said to enter the blood level of the Liver and thereby clear heat that rises into the eyes.
  • The shell's heaviness explains why it is chosen for upward Yang excess rather than for simple mild eye strain alone.

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Calcium carbonate-rich shell matrix ... the dominant mineral basis of the shell
  • Trace minerals including magnesium and other inorganic shell constituents ... supportive but variable components
  • Residual shell proteins and organic matrix fractions ... more relevant before heavy processing or calcination

Studied Effects

  • A 2014 study reported anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activity from Haliotis shell material in a burn model, giving a modern rationale for some of the shell's external-use traditions (PMID 27894302).
  • A 2013 study on shijueming in spontaneously hypertensive rats explored serum-calcium and antihypertensive-related effects, offering a laboratory bridge to the herb's classic Yang-subduing lane (PMID 24024335).
  • A 2013 study reported protective effects of haliotidis against oxidative damage in human lens epithelial cells, relevant to the eye-focused classical tradition (PMID 24330932).

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold without rising-Yang or eye-heat pattern
  • Use of poorly cleaned or contaminated shell material

Cautions

  • Like other calcium-rich shell medicinals, Shi Jue Ming can interfere with absorption of some medications if taken at the same time.
  • Only properly cleaned medicinal shell should be used because marine shell materials can carry contamination if poorly sourced.
  • The shell is heavy and typically needs appropriate decoction handling rather than casual powder use.

Drug Interactions

  • Fluoroquinolone antibiotics ... calcium-rich shell minerals can reduce drug absorption; separate dosing by several hours
  • Tetracycline antibiotics ... shell calcium can chelate the drug and lower bioavailability; stagger dosing
  • Levothyroxine ... calcium-containing shell products may impair thyroid hormone absorption; separate by at least 4 hours
  • Iron supplements ... concurrent calcium can reduce iron absorption; take at different times

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sea-Ear Shell used for?

Sea-Ear Shell is traditionally used to Subdues Liver Yang and anchors rising activity ... Shi Jue Ming is a classic heavy shell medicine for headache, dizziness, irritability, and hypertension-pattern symptoms when Liver Yang rises upward., Clears Liver heat and benefits the eyes ... red, painful, swollen eyes and blurred vision are among its best-known indications., Supports chronic eye weakness when combined with Yin- or Blood-nourishing herbs ... especially when the eyes are not only inflamed but also undernourished.. Research has investigated its effects on: A 2014 study reported anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activity from Haliotis shell material in a burn model, giving a modern rationale for some of the shell's external-use traditions (PMID 27894302).; A 2013 study on shijueming in spontaneously hypertensive rats explored serum-calcium and antihypertensive-related effects, offering a laboratory bridge to the herb's classic Yang-subduing lane (PMID 24024335)..

What are other names for Sea-Ear Shell?

Sea-Ear Shell is also known as Abalone Shell, Haliotidis Concha. In TCM: 石决明 (Shi Jue Ming); Concha Haliotidis.

Is Sea-Ear Shell safe during pregnancy?

The safety of Sea-Ear Shell during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

What are the contraindications for Sea-Ear Shell?

Sea-Ear Shell should not be used in: Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold without rising-Yang or eye-heat pattern; Use of poorly cleaned or contaminated shell material. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Does Sea-Ear Shell interact with any medications?

Sea-Ear Shell may interact with: Fluoroquinolone antibiotics ... calcium-rich shell minerals can reduce drug absorption; separate dosing by several hours; Tetracycline antibiotics ... shell calcium can chelate the drug and lower bioavailability; stagger dosing; Levothyroxine ... calcium-containing shell products may impair thyroid hormone absorption; separate by at least 4 hours; Iron supplements ... concurrent calcium can reduce iron absorption; take at different times. Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.