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Haliotis gigantea
ABALONE, SEA EAR SHELLS
Ear-shaped abalone shells are
prescribed in Chinese medicine for many conditions, including fevers, aches,
dizziness, red eyes and blurred vision.
They are from the warm seas of the world best known for their colourful pearly lining,
which is often made into jewellery. The rather chewy clam
contained within the shell is eaten. Abalone, which is a mollusc, clings to rocks with its muscular foot.
The rows of holes in its shell are designed to enable it to breathe.
PARTS USED
Whole shell.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Calcium carbonate; trace
minerals.
ACTIONS
Sedative; helps reduce fever; lowers blood pressure.
MEDICINAL USE
Prescribed by Chinese physicians for a range of ailments, including fevers,
headache, dizziness, red eyes, and blurred vision, particularly due to cataracts.
PREPARATIONS
Powdered shell or decoction internally; very fine powder externally on eyelids.
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