Hǎi Mǎ (海马) — seahorse
Information only — not used or prescribed at this clinic. This page documents a traditional animal-derived substance 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.
This substance comes from an endangered or protected species and cannot be legally prescribed in the UK. The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) prohibits the use of any endangered species, and trade is restricted under CITES.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include Yin Yang Huo, Du Zhong and Tu Si Zi.
On this page
1. Overview
Hǎi Mǎ (海马) — seahorse (Hippocampus) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that tonify Yang. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Hǎi Mǎ or any other animal product; I prescribe plant and mineral herbs in their place, matched to each patient's TCM pattern.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Hǎi Mǎ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 海马 |
| Source | seahorse (Hippocampus) |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Kidney, Liver |
| Traditional category | Tonify Yang |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Hǎi Mǎ was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Tonifies the Kidneys and Yang
- Invigorates the Blood and reduces swelling
Traditional indications
- Kidney Yang deficiency and impotence
- Masses and swellings
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Hǎi Mǎ, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Yin Yang Huo, Du Zhong and Tu Si Zi. The right choice always depends on the individual TCM pattern identified in consultation. Read more about Chinese herbal medicine or book an online herbal consultation.
5. Why it is not prescribed
Hǎi Mǎ is from an endangered or protected species. It cannot be legally prescribed in the UK, and trade is restricted internationally under CITES. All Chinese herbs 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.
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