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(Recorded as a Superior Grade herb in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

**[Names]** Li Shizhen states: "Haige" (Clam Shell) is a general term for the rotten shells of various clams found in the sea, and does not refer to a single specific species. Old editions of materia medica state it is also known as "Kui Ge" (Trumpet Shell), which implies it refers to a specific object. This is likely an erroneous inscription and has been deleted here.

**[Collection and Description]** The *Bie Lu* (Recorded by Masters of Different Periods) states: Haige grows in the East Sea.
Su Song (courtesy name Baosheng) states: Currently, they are found in the turbulent sandy areas of Dengzhou, Laizhou, and Cangzhou along the coast, where they are harvested from sand during the fourth and fifth lunar months. They are also found in the South Sea.
Su Gong states: Haige that is fine like sesame seeds and smooth, lustrous, and slippery is of good quality. Those as coarse as half an almond kernel are "Er Ge" (Ear Clams) and are unsuitable for medicinal use.
Li Shizhen states: [The shells are] yellowish-white. There are so many types that it is impossible to distinguish exactly which clam they belong to; therefore, they are collectively called Haige. See further details in the following entry.

**[Correction of Errors]** Wu Pu states: Haige has patterns on its head, resembling the teeth of a millstone.
Li Shizhen states: This describes Kui Ge (Trumpet Shell), not Haige. It was likely a mistake, which is now corrected.
Tao Hongjing states: Haige is extremely smooth and glossy. It is said to be obtained from goose droppings, and only after being processed twenty or thirty times is it considered superior. Nowadays, people mostly take similar-looking shells and grind them for use.
*Ri Hua Bencao* states: These are feces excreted by geese after eating fresh clams. Those with patterns are called Wen Ge (Geoduck/Patterned Clam), and those without patterns are called Haige. Villagers also use rotten clam shells from the seaside, washed by wind and waves...
Chen Zangqi states: Both of the above explanations are incorrect. Haige consists of rotten shells in the sea that have lain in sand and mud for a long time, naturally becoming round, clean, and patternless due to wave action. They vary in size, with smaller ones being preferred; they do not necessarily come from inside geese. Wen Ge refers to shells that still retain their patterns before rotting. The therapeutic effects of these two substances, as well as clam and mussel shells, differ from those of living specimens. If geese eat clam shells, would they select based on the presence or absence of patterns?
Kou Zongshi states: Regarding Haige and Wen Ge, Mr. Chen's statement is extremely accurate. However, there are no geese in the sea nowadays, so how could there be droppings? When clams have flesh, they can be eaten. Once the flesh is gone, how can there be droppings twenty or thirty times over? Tao Hongjing's theory is flawed.
Li Shizhen states: Haige refers to the rotten shells of various clams, while Wen Ge is a distinct type. Mr. Chen's statement that Wen Ge refers to shells before rotting implies a general reference to unrotted shells of various clams, making his explanation somewhat unstable. However, although the names of sea clams and mussels differ, their properties and flavors are similar, and their functions are the same, with little distinction.

**[Preparation]** [Name missing in original text, likely Lei Xiao or generic predecessor] states: When using Haige, do not use the bones of the "Youbo Chong" (a type of worm/shellfish) as substitutes. They look very similar, but the substitute lacks surface luster. Ingesting it mistakenly causes madness, with the victim running wildly and wanting to jump into water, as if possessed by spirits. Only vinegar can resolve this immediately.
Another method: Boil Haige in starch water for one *fu shi* (approx. 2 hours). For every liang of Haige, add two liang each of Digupi (Root Bark of Lycium) and Baiye (Cypress Leaves), boil together for one *fu shi*, then rinse three times with flowing water from the east, and grind into powder for use.
Su Song states: After harvesting, boil in "Half-Day River Water" for fifty ke (approx. 12.5 hours), mix evenly with Gouqi juice, place in a bamboo tube, steam for one *fu shi*, and grind for use.

**[Flavor and Toxicity]** Bitter, salty, neutral, non-toxic. Wu Pu cites: Shennong says bitter; Qibo says sweet; Bian Que says salty; Li Quan says slightly toxic.
Zhang Zhongjing (Cai Zhi) states: Shuqi is its guiding drug. It is incompatible with Goudan (Dog Gallbladder), Gansui (Kansui Root), and Yuanhua (Genkwa Flower).

**[Indications]** Cough with rebellious Qi, wheezing, chest fullness, chest pain accompanied by aversion to cold and fever (*Shennong Bencao Jing*).
Treatment for impotence (*Bie Lu*). Main treatment for twelve types of water retention causing distension and acute pain, promoting urination through the bladder, large intestine, and small intestine (*Tang Bencao Zhu*). Treatment for edema caused by water qi, promoting urination, treating cough with rebellious Qi, goiter under the neck, stopping thirst (Xiaoke), moistening the five zang organs, treating Jie Xiong (Chest Binding) caused by taking Dan Shi (mineral pills), convulsions and spasms due to incomplete sweating in Shang Han (Cold Damage), and paralysis due to Wind Stroke (Li Shizhen).

**[Attached Prescriptions]** Two old prescriptions, six new ones.
Edema and abdominal distension: Chen Zangqi states: Use Haige, Xingren (Apricot Seed), Han Fangji (Stephania Tetrandra), and Jujube pulp, each 2 liang, and Tingli (Descurainia Seed) 6 liang. Grind into powder and make pills the size of wutong seeds. Take 10 pills per dose. The effect is optimal when urine output increases significantly.
Edema with fever and urinary obstruction: Treat with Haige Tang (Clam Decoction). Haige, Mutong (Akebia Stem), Zhuling (Polyporus), Zexie (Alisma), Huashi (Talcum), Huangkuizi (Abelmoschus Seed), Sangbaipi (Mulberry Root Bark), each 1 qian, and Dengxincao (Juncus Effusus) 3 fen. Decoct in water and take orally, twice daily. (Source missing)
Shi Shui (Stone Water) syndrome, characterized by emaciated limbs but a distended abdomen alone: Treat with Haige Wan (Clam Pill). Haige (powder), Fangji (Aristolochia or Stephania), each 7.5 qian; Tingli, Chi Fuling (Red Poria), Sangbaipi, each 1 liang; Chenpi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Yuliren (Prunus Seed), each 0.5 liang. Grind into powder, make pills with honey the size of wutong seeds. Take 50 pills per dose with rice water, twice daily. (*Shengji Zonglu*)
Qi-type edema and Damp-type edema: Use equal parts of Haige, Kaidai (Kelp), Haizao (Sargassum), Haipiaoxiao (Cuttlebone), Haikunbu (Hijiki), Fuci (Trapa Natans), and Lizhiqiao (Lychee Shell). Decoct in flowing water and take orally, twice daily. (He Shi)
Blood dysentery with internal heat: Take Haige powder, mixed with honey water, 2 qian per dose, twice daily. (*Chuanxin Shiyong Fang*)
No fixed prescription; treat with Haige San (Clam Powder) and puncture the Qimen acupoint. Use Haige, Huashi, Gancao (Licorice Root), each 1 liang, and Mangxiao (Mirabilite) 0.5 liang. Grind into powder. Take 2 qian per dose... After taking this, the small intestine becomes unblocked, blood circulation improves, and the chest and diaphragm feel clear. (Zhu Gong, *Leizheng Huoren Shu*)
Shang Han convulsions: Kou Zongshi states: For Shang Han where sweating is incomplete, leading to hand and foot convulsions. Use Haige, Chuan Wutou (Aconitum Carmichaelii Dehxian), each 1 liang, and Chuanshanjia (Pangolin Scale) 2 liang. Grind into powder, make pills with wine the size of a bullet, flatten them, and place under the sole of the affected foot. Cover the medicine with chopped scallion white, bind tightly with cloth. Soak feet in hot water up to the knees in a warm room; add hot water as it cools. Continue until the whole body sweats. Apply once every one or two days, until efficacy is achieved.
Wind Stroke paralysis: Same prescription as above. Also see entries under Lingli Jia (Pangolin Scale).
Unstopping epistaxis (Nosebleed): Gefen (Clam Powder) 1 liang (sifted seven times), Huaihua (Sophora Flower) 0.5 liang (stir-fried until charred). Grind evenly. Take 1 qian per dose, mixed with fresh drawn water. (*Yang Shi Jiancang Fang*)