Zhēn Zhū (珍珠) — 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 Suan Zao Ren, Mu Li and Long Gu.
On this page
1. Overview
Zhēn Zhū (珍珠) — pearl (Margarita) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that settle the spirit. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Zhēn Zhū 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 |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 珍珠 |
| Source | pearl (Margarita) |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Sweet, salty |
| Channels entered | Heart, Liver |
| Traditional category | Settle the spirit |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Zhēn Zhū was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Settles the spirit and calms tremors
- Clears the Liver and benefits the eyes
- Promotes healing of tissue
Traditional indications
- Palpitations and insomnia
- Blurred vision
- Non-healing sores (topical)
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Zhēn Zhū, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Suan Zao Ren, Mu Li and Long Gu. 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 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
Zhēn Zhū appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
- An Mian Pian — Peaceful Sleep Tablet
- Liù Shén Wán — Six Spirits Pill
- Zhēn Zhū Mǔ Wán — Mother-of-Pearl Pill
- Ān Gōng Niú Huáng Wán — Calm the Palace Pill with Cattle Gallstone
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