Library

Ma Dao (Clam)

Pungent in flavor, slightly cold in nature, and toxic. It primarily treats leukorrhea with red and white discharge (abnormal vaginal discharge, red or white), alternating chills and fever, breaks down urinary calculi (urinary system stones), kills birds, beasts, thieves, and rats, eliminates heat between the five zang organs, removes scrofula (lymph node tuberculosis) in the muscles, stops irritability and fullness, tonifies the middle jiao, removes bi-syndrome of the joints, and promotes joint mobility. When used, it should be processed/refined; otherwise, upon contact with water, it may rot and enter the intestines. It is also said that its properties improve when wet. Another name is Ma Ge (Horse Clam). It grows in rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and the East Sea. There is no fixed time for harvesting.

Tao Hongjing stated: Li Yun recorded that Ma Dao grows in the Jianghan region, measuring six to seven cun in length. People in the Jianghan area call it "Dan Lao" (pronounced Shan Mu), and they also consume its meat, which resembles that of a clam (Mussel/Clam). Nowadays, most people do not recognize it; it generally resembles the current Ting Ge (pronounced Ting) KT (Pu Xin Qie), but is not the same. Formulary texts: Rarely used. Generally, such bivalves should not be consumed in large quantities, nor are they formally included in medicinal prescriptions, except for Ge Li (Venerupis philippinarum) boiled to relieve alcohol intoxication. Xian Ke (Corbicula shell) aged for a long time can stop dysentery. Che Ao (pronounced Ao), Han (Huo Gan Qie), Li, and KT (Hu Xian Qie) (Jin Yin) belong to this category; they can be eaten but have no beneficial effects, and their primary therapeutic indications are not documented. A pheasant entering large waters transforms into KT, (pronounced Shen) said to be a large clam, but it is actually a mussel. Boiling and eating various clams, snails, and vegetables is detrimental to humans. Minister Yu Xi et al. carefully noted according to the Shu Ben Tu Jing: It grows in rivers and lakes, slender, a small clam. Three to four cun long, five to six fen wide.

Tu Jing states: Ma Dao grows in rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and the East Sea, and is now found everywhere. It belongs to the KT category (also called Bang, where Bang and Bang are synonymous). Three to four cun long, five to six fen wide or more, with a small sharp head, mostly found in sand and mud. People in the Jianghan area call it Dan Lao and eat its meat; it is very similar to a clam. Formulary texts: Rarely used. Bivalves like Bang and Ge are the most numerous. Bang meat suppresses the toxicity of Danchi (mineral drugs); its shell ground into powder is applied to treat carbuncles and swellings; it can also neutralize Shiting Zhi; rotten shell ground and taken orally treats Fan Wei (vomiting/regurgitation) and phlegm-fluid retention in the stomach. Ge Li treats old accumulations (chronic stagnant diseases) and those causing chills and fever. Xian Ke aged for a long time stops dysentery. Han tonifies the middle and benefits yang; what is referred to as "Wa Wu" is Han. KT resembles Ge but is longer and flatter; its shell treats hemorrhoids. Zheng (Razor clam) treats pathogenic heat in the chest and is suitable for those taking mineral drugs. Dan Cai (Edible Mussel) tonifies the five zang organs and benefits yang; in Zhejiang, it is called Ke Cai. These are all beneficial to humans. The remaining species are too numerous to list individually, as they are not selected for medicinal use.

Yan Yi states: In the capital, Ma Dao is called An Ge. People eat it frequently in spring and summer, but it induces wind-phlegm and has a slightly cold nature. Also, in the river boundaries of Shun'an Jun, similar specimens are produced, largely resembling Ma Dao, with rather bland meat. People make dried products to send to neighbors, but they cannot be transported far. They also induce wind syndromes. None of these should be consumed in excess. Current Ge Fen (Clam Shell Powder) is made from the ash of these various bivalves.