The efficacy and function of clam shells

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

【English name】 CONCHA MERETRICIS SEU CYCLINAE

[Other names] Clam, sea clam shell, clam skin

[Source] This product is the shell of Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus or Cyclina sinensis Gmelin, both of the family Meretrixidae. Caught in summer and autumn, the meat is removed, washed and dried.

[Properties] Clam: fan-shaped or quasi-circular, with a slightly triangular dorsal edge and an arc-shaped ventral edge, 3 to 10 cm long and 2 to 8 cm high. The top of the shell is prominent and located on the back, slightly to the front. The outside of the shell is smooth, yellowish brown, with distinct concentric growth lines, and usually with serrated or wavy brown patterns on the back. The inside of the shell is white with no teeth on the edge. The front and rear shell edges are sometimes slightly purple. The hinge is wide. The right shell has 3 main teeth and 2 anterior lateral teeth; the left shell has 3 main teeth and 1 anterior lateral tooth. The texture is hard and the cross section has layers. Odorless, light taste.

[Preparation] Clam shells : wash, crush and dry.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter, salty, and cold.

[return through] return lung, kidney and stomach meridians.

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and resolves phlegm, softens and disperses lumps, reduces acidity and relieves pain. It is used for cough due to phlegm and fire, pain in the chest and flanks, blood in sputum, scrofula, goiter, stomach pain and acid reflux; it can also be used externally to treat eczema and burns.

[Usage and Dosage] 6-15g, preferably fried first, then wrapped in clam powder and fried. For external use, grind into fine powder and spread on the affected area or mix with oil and apply to the affected area.

【Storage】 Store in a dry place.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Pharmacopoeia

After understanding some of the therapeutic effects and common knowledge of clam shells, I hope that everyone will use scientific methods when eating them to make them play a greater role.