This product is the shell of the Arcidae family, specifically the species Arca inflata (Arca inflata Reeve), Arca subcrenata (Arca subcrenata Lischke), or Arca granosa (Arca granosa L.). The shell resembles fragments of raw tile and is often powdery, with a grayish-brown surface and a loose, brittle texture. It is primarily produced in Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shandong, and Liaoning. The shells are collected from shallow sea mud and sand during spring and autumn. After collection, they are washed to remove sand and mud, briefly boiled in hot water to remove the flesh, and then dried in the sun.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Salty, neutral, act on lung, stomach and liver channels.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Resolving phlegm, softening hardness, dispersing stasis, and eliminating stagnation.

bubble_chart Indications

Treats phlegm accumulation, stomachache due to excessive stomach acid, gastric and duodenal ulcers, subcutaneous nodules in the lungs, subcutaneous nodules in the lymph nodes, and rickets in children.

1. Used raw: disperses phlegm and treats abdominal masses and scrofula.
2. Processed: neutralizes acid and relieves pain, treats stomachache and epigastric discomfort. Examples include Ganleng Powder, Anwei Powder, and Stomachache Pills.

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

Decoct 10-30g, crush before decocting. For resolving phlegm, use raw; for neutralizing acid, use calcined.

bubble_chart Processing and Storage

1. Clam Shell: Remove impurities, wash clean with water, scoop out, dry in the sun, and grind into crude powder.
2. Calcined Clam Shell: Take clean Clam Shell, place it in a pot, and use strong fire until it turns red and thoroughly heated, then take it out, let it cool, and grind into crude powder. After calcination, it becomes brittle and easy to pulverize. At the same time, it oxidizes its main component, calcium carbonate, to generate calcium oxide. Calcium oxide is more easily absorbed than calcium carbonate, and its effect on neutralizing stomach acid is enhanced compared to the original.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

Mainly contains calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, etc.