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Hai Piao Xiao

Unknown

Pinyin: Hai Piao Xiao Latin: Endoconcha Sepiae Os Sepiae seu Sepiellae (Wu Zei Gu)
Cuttlefish Bone Cuttlebone (English)

☯ TCM Properties

Category: astringent
Temperature: warm
Taste: salty
Meridians: kidney, liver, stomach, spleen
Functions:

Restrains, holds in and stops bleeding; Secures Jing and stops discharge; Controls acidity and a lleviates pain; Resolves Dampness and p romotes healing (moves Blood)

Botanical Description

Hai Piao Xiao is the cuttlebone of cephalopod molluscs in the genera Sepia and Sepiella (family Sepiidae), and is therefore an animal- rather than plant-derived material. The cuttlebone is the internal calcareous skeleton of the cuttlefish: a buoyant, oval to elongate-elliptical structure 5 to 25 centimetres long, with a chalky-white dorsal surface and a finely layered, porous ventral surface composed of stacked aragonite chambers separated by thin organic membranes. After the animal is taken, the cuttlebone is removed, washed free of soft tissue, sun-dried, and may be pulverised for medicinal use. Source species inhabit shallow continental shelf waters of the East and South China Seas and adjoining temperate to tropical coasts.

Dosage

Form Amount Frequency Duration Population Notes
decoction 6-15g Daily

Cultural & Historical Context

Traditional American Uses

None Documented

Important Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.