Yè Míng Shā (夜明砂) — bat faeces
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 Ju Hua, Gu Jing Cao and Gou Qi Zi.
On this page
1. Overview
Yè Míng Shā (夜明砂) — bat faeces (Vespertilionis Faeces) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that improve vision. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Yè Míng Shā 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 | Yè Míng Shā |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 夜明砂 |
| Source | bat faeces (Vespertilionis Faeces) |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels entered | Liver |
| Traditional category | Improve vision |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Yè Míng Shā was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Clears Liver heat and improves vision
- Invigorates the Blood and disperses stasis
Traditional indications
- Blurred vision and night blindness
- Painful, red eyes
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Yè Míng Shā, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Ju Hua, Gu Jing Cao and Gou Qi 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
Although Yè Míng Shā 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.
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