The efficacy and function of Torreya grandis

Torreya snail is a relatively familiar traditional Chinese medicine. It has many benefits for our body. If we want to consume it correctly in our lives, we need to have some understanding of Torreya snail. Let’s take a look at it below.

【English name】 snail shell

[Source] Medicinal material source: The shells of Torreya grandis and Torreya grandis, both of the Torreya grandis family.

【Original morphology】 1. There are about 7 whorls and the sutures are groove-shaped. The shell apex is slightly pointed, the spiral part is very short, and the body whorl is significantly enlarged, with a height about 20 times that of the spiral part. The shell surface is smooth, porcelain-like, light yellow (the slender body is darker in color), decorated with yellow-brown serrated patterns, and the growth lines are fine and dense. The shell opening is long and narrow, wider at the front end, the inner surface of the shell opening is purple-brown, the outer lip is thicker, and the entire edge is smooth; the inner lip is thin, lighter in color, slightly beak-like on the top, and has rib-like wrinkles near the front groove. The anterior groove is short and the posterior groove is narrow. Without cover.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: 1. It lives on the sandy seabed at a depth of more than 40 meters from the intertidal zone to the subtidal zone, and often dives into the sand after low tide.

[Properties] Identification of properties (1) The shell of the Torreya grandis is cylindrical, 3.2-3.5 cm high and about 1/2 the width of the height. The outer surface is light yellow, with yellow-brown serrated patterns on the surface of the body whorl; the inner surface is purple-brown. There are about 7 whorls, and the sutures are groove-shaped. The spiral part is low and short, the top of the shell is slightly pointed, and it is rarely damaged. Each whorl grows gradually until the body whorl suddenly expands, and its height is about 20 times the height of the shell tower. The shell surface is as smooth as porcelain, and the growth lines are dense. There is a band-like transverse rib in front of the body whorl. The shell opening is long and narrow, with a wider front end. Thick and solid. It has a slight smell and tastes salty.

【Nature and flavor】 Salty; neutral

【Functions and indications】Calms the liver and suppresses yang; clears dryness and moistens the lungs. Mainly used for hypertension; dizziness; cataract; bone steaming and fatigue fever

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 15-50g.

[Various scholars’ comments] "Chinese Medicinal Animals": Clears dryness and moistens the lungs, soothes the liver and suppresses yang. It is mainly used to treat hypertension, dizziness, cataracts, bone steaming and fatigue fever, etc.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The above article introduces the functions of Torreya grandis. I hope it will be helpful to you in your life. But it is important to note that you should not randomly combine it with other foods. You should consult a professional before making a decision.