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Pearl, Mother-of-pearl Shell (Bivalve that produces pearls)

Nature is cold. Non-toxic. Produced by old mussels, (The mussel is the mother-of-pearl shell; only older ones produce many pearls, while younger ones produce few.) Originates from large pools on islands in Lianzhou; (Belongs to Guangdong, where there are islands in the sea with pools called pearl pools. People suspect the bottom of the pool connects to the sea, yet the water is fresh, which is inexplicable.) Managed by the Prefect, who supervises pearl collectors to gather tribute annually. Those round and over one inch in circumference are superior; those bright and lustrous without dullness are excellent. Once obtained for sale, their value is incalculable. To drill holes, a diamond drill is required; for medical prescriptions, only newly intact ones are usable. Grind extremely finely in a porcelain mortar, and sieve repeatedly through thin silk. Made into pills to calm the Heart and Spirit (Shen), applied to the face to moisten and beautify the complexion. Made into powder for eye application to remove nebulae, wrapped in cotton for ear insertion to improve hearing. For pediatric convulsions, heat diseases, and epilepsy, combine with other medicines to form tablets for rubbing or ingestion. Particularly effective in quenching thirst and resolving phlegm accumulation. Mussel meat is sweet in taste, can be made into jerky for consumption. Its efficacy lies mainly in sobering up and clearing heat to dispel irritability.

Additionally, Concha Haliotidis (Abalone Shell) originates from the inner South Sea. It grows as single plates, not in pairs, shining brightly, worthy of comparison to true pearls. Hence its name, it is specifically used in ophthalmology. Some mistake it for the mother-of-pearl shell, which is a significant error. Its nature is cold and salty. Only those with seven or nine apertures should be harvested; (Also known as Nine-Hole Snail; those with ten or more apertures are inferior.) Wrap in dough and bake until cooked, then rub off all coarse black outer skin. Grind into fine powder resembling frost, to treat blindness (Qing Mang) and remove corneal opacities. (Soaking in water to wash eyes is also excellent.) The meat is harvested for culinary use, and when dried, can be stored for a long time. It serves as a delicacy for gifts during travel.

Clam

Nature is cold. Non-toxic. Grows in rivers and marshes, similar to mussels but slightly smaller. The shell is round and thin, with a white belly and purple lips. The *Yueling* states: "Pheasants entering large waters become clam-shells," referring later to the giant clam; "Sparrows entering large waters become clams," which refers to this specific clam. Cooked meat nourishes the Five Zang organs, quenches thirst, resolves alcohol toxicity, and benefits the stomach with remarkable effects; ground shell powder treats chronic accumulations, transforms stubborn phlegm, eliminates blood stasis, and clears heat with immediate effect. It is incompatible with cinnabar/mercury minerals (Dan Shi); anyone taking mineral drugs who mistakenly consumes it will suffer abdominal constriction and pain, so caution is strictly advised.

The Giant Clam (Che Ao) is named after the clam-shell spirit and is the largest of the clams. In spring and summer, it emits vapors resembling towers. Its transformations occur instantly in various forms, locally known as mirages. It has meat for food and pearls for stringing. Shells can be inlaid to decorate screens, (and any vessel can be inlaid.) Ash can be used to seal tombs and walls, (or as facial powder.) Using the shell in medicine is best for treating sores, boils, and swelling/toxins; calcined twice and quenched in vinegar, then ground into ultra-fine powder. Mix with Licorice Root (Gan Cao), take with wine, or apply with vinegar to the affected area.

Cockle (Xian) (Pronunciation: Xian) is small and black, often found in mud and sand. Whenever wind and rain arise, it flies using its shell as wings. The meat, washed clean, is beneficial when cooked with fermented grain residue. Resolves alcohol toxicity, dampness toxicity, sallow complexion, clears heat qi, seasonal pathogens, and red eyes. Benefits the stomach, suppresses mineral drug toxicity, promotes lactation, and promotes urination. Fresh juice extracted by soaking is kept in basins and frequently used to wash carbuncles, which is particularly effective. Drinking it helps resolve polydipsia. Excessive consumption is inadvisable as it induces coughing and depletes Kidney essence. Burning rotten shells into white ash and drinking the water treats regurgitation and vomiting, removing phlegm stagnation in the diaphragm; grinding old shells into fine powder and swallowing with decoction stops nocturnal emissions due to evil dreams and treats genital sores and dysentery.