涩肠，补水，软坚
咸以软坚，化痰，消瘰 结核，老血瘕疝；涩以收脱，治遗精崩带，止嗽敛汗（或同麻
黄根、糯米为粉扑身，或加入煎剂）固大、小肠；微寒以清热补水，治虚劳烦热，温疟赤痢
，利湿止渴，为肝、肾血分之药（王好古曰∶以柴胡引之，去胁下硬；茶引之，消颈核；大
黄引之，消股间肿；以地黄为使，益精收涩，止大小便利；以贝母为使，消积结）。盐水煮
一伏时， 粉用。亦有生用者，贝母为使。恶麻黄、辛夷、吴茱萸。得甘草、牛膝、远志、
蛇床子良（海气化成，纯雄无雌，故名牡）。
涩
蛤蜊壳 为粉。与牡蛎同功（海藏曰∶肾经血分药。宋徽宗宠妃病痰嗽，面肿不寐，李
防御治之，三日不效，当诛，李技穷忧泣，忽闻市人卖嗽药，一文一帖，吃了今夜得睡，色
淡碧，李市之。恐药猛悍，先自试，觉无害，共并三帖为一以进，妃服之，是夕寝安嗽止，
面肿亦消。帝大悦，赐直万金。李不知其方，惧得罪。伺得市人，重价求之，乃蚌壳研粉，
少加青黛也。以淡荠水，加麻油数滴，调服。《圣惠方》∶白蚬壳研粉，米饮调，治咳嗽不
止）。
肉，咸冷，止渴解酒（牡蛎、蛤蜊、海蛤、文蛤，并出海中，大抵海物咸寒，功用略同
。江湖蛤蚌，无咸水浸渍，但能清热利湿，不能软坚）。
文蛤。背有花纹，兼能除烦渴，利小便。
[Muli]
Astringes the intestines, nourishes Yin and replenishes fluids, and softens hardness.
Its salty flavor softens hardness, resolves phlegm, eliminates scrofula (tuberculous lymphadenitis of the neck), dissipates old blood stasis, abdominal masses, and hernias; its astringent nature consolidates leakage, treats spermatorrhea, metrorrhagia, and leukorrhea, stops coughing, and restrains sweating (it can also be mixed with Mahuang Gen [Ephedrae Caulis Et Rhizoma Nudae Radix], Nuomi [Oryza Sativa Japonica Group Semen], and powdered for external application, or added to decoctions) to secure the Large Intestine and Small Intestine; its slightly cold nature clears heat and replenishes fluids, treating deficiency labor with vexation and heat, warm malaria, and bloody dysentery, promoting diuresis to relieve thirst, serving as a herb acting on the Blood aspect of the Liver and Kidney (Wang Haogu stated: Guided by Chaihu [Bupleuri Radix], it removes hardness in the hypochondrium; guided by tea, it消scrofula in the neck; guided by Dahuang [Rhei Radix et Rhizoma], it reduces swelling between the thighs; used as an envoy with Dihuang [Rehmanniae Radix Preparata], it benefits essence and enhances astringency, stopping incontinence of urine and feces; used as an envoy with Beimu [Fritillariae Bulbus], it dissipates accumulated nodules). Boil Muli in salt water for one full day (24 hours), then grind into powder for use. It may also be used raw, often paired with Beimu. Contraindicated with Mahuang [Ephedrae Herba], Xinyi [Magnoliae Flos], and Wuzhuyu [Evodiae Fructus]. Harmonizes well with Gancao [Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma], Niuxi [Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix], Yuanzhi [Polygalae Radix], and Shechuangzi [Cnidii Fructus]. (Legend has it that Muli is formed from the qi of seawater, being purely male without female, hence named "Mu" meaning male).
[Ge Fen]
Powder made from Clam Shell (Gaoli Ke). Its efficacy is similar to Muli (Li Dongyuan in *Zhenzhu Nang* described it as a medicine for the Blood aspect of the Kidney Meridian. The favored consort of Emperor Huizong of Song suffered from phlegm-cough, facial edema, and insomnia. Physician Li Fangyu treated her for three days without effect, facing execution. Despairing, Li heard a street vendor selling cough medicine for one coin per dose, claiming sleep would be achieved that night. The medicine was pale green. Li purchased it. Fearing the potency might be too harsh, he tested it on himself first, finding no adverse effects. He combined three doses into one for the consort. After administration, she slept peacefully that night, the cough ceased, and facial edema subsided. The Emperor was greatly pleased and bestowed ten thousand gold pieces. Unaware of the prescription, Li feared punishment and secretly sought the vendor, offering a high price for the formula. It turned out to be clam shell powder with a small amount of Qingdai [Indigo Naturalis]. It was taken mixed with light shepherd's purse water and a few drops of sesame oil. *Shenghui Fang* records: White clam shell powder mixed with rice drink treats persistent coughing).
Clam meat, salty and cold, stops thirst and resolves alcohol toxicity. (Muli, Gaoli, Hai Ge, Wen Ge are all produced in the sea. Generally, marine products are salty and cold with similar functions. Freshwater clams and mussels, not soaked in saline water, can only clear heat and promote diuresis, but cannot soften hardness).
Wen Ge (Venerupis philippinarum). Has patterns on its back, additionally relieves vexation and thirst, and promotes urination.