Zhēn Zhū Mǔ Wán (珍珠母丸) — Mother-of-Pearl Pill
Information only — not used or prescribed at this clinic. This page documents a traditional Chinese herbal formula that contains one or more animal-derived ingredients, for reference and education. I do not use or prescribe any animal products. Every formula I prescribe is built entirely from plant and mineral herbs.
Although it may be used by some practitioners, I do not prescribe any animal-derived substances.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include Suan Zao Ren, Long Gu and plant spirit-calming herbs.
On this page
- Overview
- Ingredients
- Traditional actions and indications
- Plant-based alternatives
- Why it is not prescribed
1. Overview
Zhēn Zhū Mǔ Wán (珍珠母丸) — Mother-of-Pearl Pill — is a traditional formula of the Chinese Materia Medica that contains one or more animal-derived ingredients. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Zhēn Zhū Mǔ Wán or any formula containing animal products; where a comparable effect is needed I prescribe a plant-based formula matched to the patient's TCM pattern.
2. Ingredients
Traditional ingredients include:
- Zhen Zhu Mu (mother-of-pearl) (animal product)
- Long Chi (fossilised teeth) (animal product)
- Dang Gui, Shu Di Huang, Ren Shen, Suan Zao Ren (plants)
3. Traditional actions and indications
Traditional actions
- Nourishes Yin and Blood
- Settles and calms the spirit
Traditional indications
- Insomnia, palpitations and anxiety from Yin and Blood deficiency
4. Plant-based alternatives
In my practice I use plant-based formulas in place of Zhēn Zhū Mǔ Wán. Depending on the TCM pattern, suitable alternatives include Suan Zao Ren, Long Gu and plant spirit-calming herbs. Read more about Chinese herbal medicine or book an online herbal consultation.
5. Why it is not prescribed
Although Zhēn Zhū Mǔ Wán may be used by some practitioners, I do not prescribe any animal-derived substances; a plant-based alternative is used instead. All Chinese herbs and formulas should be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), which prohibits the use of endangered species. Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council and does not use animal products of any kind.
Return to the Chinese herbal formula directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
