concha margaritifera usta

Concha Margaritifera Usta, known as Zhen Zhu Mu in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is the calcined form of the mother-of-pearl shell derived from various pearl-yielding mollusks such as *Hyriopsis cumingii*, *Cristaria plicata*, or *Pteria martensii*. The calcination process (indicated by the Latin term "usta") involves heating the shells to high temperatures, which alters their physical structure and chemical composition, primarily resulting in a material rich in calcium carbonate along with various trace minerals and amino acids. In TCM theory, it is classified as a substance that anchors and subdues the Liver Yang, clears Liver heat, and settles the Heart to calm the spirit (Shen). It is traditionally indicated for symptoms associated with Liver Yang rising or Liver Fire, such as dizziness, tinnitus, and headache, as well as for irritability, insomnia, and palpitations. It is also used for certain ocular conditions like blurred vision or redness and occasionally for bleeding disorders.

Other names

Zhen Zhu Mu珍珠母NacreMother-of-Pearl ShellCalcined Concha Margaritifera