Hai Ge Ke - Clam Shell

TCM Materia Medica

Hai Ge Ke TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "hai ge ke" which in english is "clam shell", is categorized within the "herbs that cool and transform phlegm heat" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the kidney, lung and stomach channels and exhibits bitter (ku), neutral (ping) and salty (xian) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 6-15g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Clears heat, directs lung qi downwards, transforms phlegm - lung-heat cough with thick sputum (difficult to expectorate), chest or rib pain.
  • Softens hardness, dissipates nodules - phlegm fire goiter and scrofula.
  • Promotes urination, expels dampness - turbid painful urinary dysfunction and vaginal discharge.
  • Epigastric pain, acid reflux - calcined powdered form).

As noted above, hai ge ke is within the herbs that cool and transform phlegm heat functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... used for phlegm-heat and dry-phlegm patterns - coughs, scrofula, goiters (stagnant phlegm-fire in the channel), convulsions. )".

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