Hǎi Piāo Xiāo (海螵蛸) — cuttlefish bone
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.
Although it may be used by some practitioners, I do not prescribe any animal-derived substances.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include Wa Leng Zi and Duan Mu Li.
On this page
1. Overview
Hǎi Piāo Xiāo (海螵蛸) — cuttlefish bone (Sepiae Endoconcha) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that stop bleeding. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Hǎi Piāo Xiāo 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 Piāo Xiāo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 海螵蛸 |
| Source | cuttlefish bone (Sepiae Endoconcha) |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Salty, astringent |
| Channels entered | Liver, Kidney |
| Traditional category | Stop bleeding |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Hǎi Piāo Xiāo was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Restrains leakage and stops bleeding
- Controls vaginal discharge
- Restrains stomach acid and relieves pain
Traditional indications
- Uterine bleeding and discharge
- Excess stomach acid and reflux
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Hǎi Piāo Xiāo, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Wa Leng Zi and Duan Mu Li. 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
Although Hǎi Piāo Xiāo may be used by some practitioners, I do not prescribe any animal-derived substances; plant and mineral herbs are used instead. 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.
Formulas containing Hǎi Piāo Xiāo
Hǎi Piāo Xiāo appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
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