Zhēn Zhū Mǔ (珍珠母) — mother-of-pearl
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 Mu Li (oyster shell), Gou Teng and Suan Zao Ren.
On this page
1. Overview
Zhēn Zhū Mǔ (珍珠母) — mother-of-pearl (Concha Margaritifera Usta) — 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 Zhēn Zhū Mǔ 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 | Zhēn Zhū Mǔ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 珍珠母 |
| Source | mother-of-pearl (Concha Margaritifera Usta) |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Sweet, salty |
| Channels entered | Heart, Liver |
| Traditional category | Anchor Yang |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Zhēn Zhū Mǔ 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
- Settles the spirit
- Clears the Liver and improves vision
Traditional indications
- Rising Liver Yang with dizziness
- Palpitations, insomnia and anxiety
- Red, sore eyes
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Zhēn Zhū Mǔ, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Mu Li (oyster shell), Gou Teng and Suan Zao Ren. 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 Zhēn Zhū Mǔ 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 Zhēn Zhū Mǔ
Zhēn Zhū Mǔ appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
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