Shí Jué Míng (石决明) — abalone shell
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 Gou Teng, Ju Hua and Tian Ma.
On this page
1. Overview
Shí Jué Míng (石决明) — abalone shell (Haliotidis Concha) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that anchor Yang. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Shí Jué Míng 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 | Shí Jué Míng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 石决明 |
| Source | abalone shell (Haliotidis Concha) |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Salty |
| Channels entered | Liver |
| Traditional category | Anchor Yang |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Shí Jué Míng was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Calms the Liver and anchors Yang
- Clears Liver heat and improves vision
Traditional indications
- Rising Liver Yang with dizziness and headache
- Red, painful eyes and blurred vision
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Shí Jué Míng, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Gou Teng, Ju Hua and Tian Ma. 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 Shí Jué Míng 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 Shí Jué Míng
Shí Jué Míng appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
- Líng Jiǎo Gōu Téng Tāng — Antelope Horn and Uncaria Decoction
- Ming Mu Di Huang Wan — Brighten the Eyes Rehmannia Pill
- Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin —
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