Cuttlebone

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

• Secures essence and stops leukorrhea - Hai Piao Xiao is classically used for spermatorrhea, excessive vaginal discharge, and chronic leakage patterns involving instability of the lower burner.
• Astringes bleeding - the powdered shell is used for uterine bleeding and other chronic bleeding patterns where an astringent mineral substance is appropriate.
• Restrains acidity and alleviates pain - it is a classic herb for acid regurgitation, epigastric discomfort, and ulcer-type stomach pain, especially when calcined or finely powdered.
• Dries dampness and promotes healing externally - topical use extends to weeping sores, ulcerations, and traumatic bleeding where the powder can dry discharge and protect tissue.

Secondary Actions

• Hai Piao Xiao is both a lower-burner astringent and an upper-digestive mineral antacid, which is why it appears in very different kinds of formulas.
• In modern practice it is commonly powdered and taken for stomach-acid complaints or applied externally rather than relied on as a long-boiled crude shell.

Classic Formulas

• Hai Piao Xiao with Qian Shi and Shan Zhu Yu - a classic lower-burner astringent strategy for spermatorrhea and chronic leukorrhea.
• Hai Piao Xiao with Wa Leng Zi - a traditional mineral pairing for acid regurgitation and epigastric pain when both astringing and antacid action are needed.
• Hai Piao Xiao with Bai Ji for powder use - a familiar hemostatic and tissue-protective combination for bleeding ulcers or external sores.

Classical References

• Traditional references describe Hai Piao Xiao as salty, astringent, and slightly warm, entering the Liver and Kidney to secure essence, stop bleeding, and restrain acidity.
• The herb is also commonly known as Wu Zei Gu, and the two names often refer to the same medicinal cuttlebone material in classical and modern usage.
• Its dual use for chronic leakage below and sour regurgitation above is one of the defining features that distinguishes it from many other marine shell medicinals.