The efficacy and function of prairie shells

The shell of the scallop is a medicinal material that can treat many diseases. If consumed scientifically and healthily, it can bring great benefits to our physical health and disease treatment. Now let’s take a closer look at the effects and eating methods of clams.

[Source] Medicinal material source: The shell of the Articulatus species of the family Articulatus.

[Original form] The shell of the comb scallop is slightly triangular or fan-shaped, the shell is slightly thin and brittle, 75-176mm high and 170-335mm long. The top of the shell is thin and pointed, located at the front end of the shell, and the back end of the shell is wide. The dorsal margin is straight or slightly concave, the front part of the ventral margin is straighter, and there is a slightly concave byssal hole near the top of the shell. It gradually protrudes towards the back, with the posterior edge slightly curved or truncated. The shell has no central crack, and has more than 10 radial ribs on the surface, with small triangular spines slightly slanting backwards. However, in some individuals (such as older people), the radial ribs are not obvious and the spines are absent or not obvious. The growth lines are obvious, dense, and brown fold-like to the ventral edge. The shell color is light yellow-brown in the larvae, or dark brown inside. The top of the shell is often worn away to reveal the same pearly sheen as the front half of the shell. The ligament is light brown and almost as long as the dorsal edge of the shell. The anterior adductor muscle mark near the inner surface of the shell top is small and oval; the posterior adductor muscle mark in the middle of the shell is large and horseshoe-shaped. The mantle mark is slightly visible and far away from the shell edge. There is a thick mantle gland on the dorsal side of the anus with a spherical tip. The feet are small and rod-shaped. The foot line is brown, soft and well developed.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Lives on the muddy seabed near the low tide line at a depth of 30-40m. The front end of the shell is inserted into the mud and sand, with only the back end 1/3 exposed above the sand surface. The reproductive period is from May to September, and the sexes are dioecious. The gonads of sexually mature females are orange-red, while those of males are milky white. Fertilization occurs in vitro.

【Nature and flavor】 Salty; astringent; cool

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies; extinguishes wind and calms the nerves. Main wet polymer; high blood pressure

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 15-25g. For external use: calcine, grind into powder, and sprinkle on.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Everyone should know about the medicinal value of scallop shells. We should pay more attention to information in this area so that we can be prepared when encountering problems and avoid panic.