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Hai Ge (Clam Shell)

Taste: bitter, salty. Nature: neutral, cold. Non-toxic. It refers to fresh clam shells that have not yet decayed, which can be collected near the eastern coast of the sea. They are purple with spots and pointed in shape, with many patterns on the surface.
They are collectively named Wen Ge (Patterned Clam), a term expressing esteem. In Zhang Zhongjing's formulas for Shanghan (Cold Damage Disease), it was once used ground into powder. (There is a formula called Wen Ge San.) Its ability to promote urination stems from its salty nature entering the Kidney; its ability to descend phlegm is due to its salty nature softening hardness. It drives away hypochondriac urgency and lower back pain, removes throat cough and hypochondriac obstruction. It astringes metrorrhagia and leukorrhea, reduces flat rat hemorrhoids. For gan gangrene eating away at the mouth and nose in critical condition, mix with cured lard to make a paste for application. For hernia drawing pain from the small intestine, mix with Cyperi Rhizoma powder and ginger juice to swallow. Hai Ge consists of decayed shells mixed with sand and mud, beaten by wind and waves until smooth. All sharp edges are gone, lumps are uneven. Small ones resemble fine hemp seeds, large ones resemble chess pieces. It should be calcined to make powder, do not decoct with other herbs in soup. It benefits the bladder and both large and small intestines, reduces edema and distension; descends rebellious qi and pathogenic factors in the chest and hypochondrium, calms panting and cough with phlegm. Impotence can be strengthened, throat thirst can be stopped.
Hai Shi (Sea Stone) is Hai Ge, different names but same category; Hai Fen (Sea Powder) is also Hai Shi, ground after calcination. Generally, because of the name "salty softens hardness," it must be used to treat stubborn phlegm nodules.
(Mo) Commentary: Danxi said: Hai Fen is Hai Shi. It can descend hot phlegm, dry damp phlegm, soften knotted phlegm, and eliminate stubborn phlegm. It should be made into powder or pills, not decocted in liquid. It also treats leukorrhea; he stated that if Hai Shi is unavailable, Ge Fen (Clam Powder) can also be used. This shows clearly that Hai Shi and Ge Fen are two distinct substances. Kou Zongshi's Yanyi further notes all functions of Hai Shi under the Ge Fen entry, implying that although Hai Shi and Ge Fen are two substances, they can be used interchangeably for treatment. He also stated: Ge Fen is made by burning clam shells. Now examining the annotations under the Hai Ge entry in Ben Jing, all point to Hai Ge being Hai Shi. The reason Hai Ge is called Hai Shi is that Hai Ge is not a clam with meat, but rather the clam shell. The shell in the sea, long subjected to wind and wave erosion, loses all sharp edges. What remains no longer has a shiny form or quality, but appears as lumps mixed with sand and mud, resembling crushed stones, hence called Hai Shi. Refined into powder, it is called Hai Fen. As for Ge Fen, it is made by burning clam shells. Since clams are commonly eaten by people, their shells are abundant and easy to obtain. Hai Shi must be collected by washing sand near the sea, which is slightly more difficult. Abandoning difficulty for ease is common everywhere. Therefore, Ge Fen is abundant, Hai Shi is scarce and not always available, so one considers the alternative. Thus it says: If there is no Hai Shi, Ge Fen can also be used. However, new Ge Fen ultimately cannot match aged Hai Shi. Just as rotten clam and mussel shells also have specific uses, they differ naturally from fresh ones.