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Meretrix lusoria: Medicinal Value and Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulas
Meretrix lusoria, colloquially known as Haiha, holds substantial medicinal properties and has been frequently cited in ancient texts. In the realm of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Haiha is often prescribed in conjunction with other herbs to address a wide array of ailments. Understanding its therapeutic effects and functionalities is paramount for appropriate usage. However, prior to self-medication, it is prudent to consult a qualified TCM practitioner, as accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Let us delve into the diverse medicinal applications of Haiha.
Effects and Uses of Haiha
1. Cough and Asthma: Haiha is commonly prescribed for conditions such as coughs arising from lung heat and thick, difficult-to-expel mucus, akin to acute bronchitis. It is frequently combined with herbs like Scutellaria baicalensis, pollen, dried tangerine peel, Ophiopogon japonicus, Trichosanthes root, almond, and Stephania tetrandra. Formulas include "Huatan Pill," "Jinhua Pill," and "Haiha Pill."
2. Lymphadenitis and Thyroid Enlargement: Haiha is also utilized in cases resembling chronic lymphadenitis, tuberculous lymphadenitis, and thyroid enlargement. It is often combined with herbs such as Sargassum, Laminaria japonica, Arca, Galla chinensis, Chebula, Trichosanthes root, and Pinellia ternata. Prescriptions include "Hanhua Pill" and "Kunbu Powder."
3. Epigastric Pain and Rib Pain: In ancient formulas, Haiha was used to treat chest pain among women, attributed to typhoid fever and blood stagnation in the chest, comparable to intercostal neuralgia. It is commonly combined with Talc, Sodium sulfate, and Licorice. Prescriptions include "Haiha Powder." Recently, it has also been employed for gastric ulcer pain and acid reflux, often combined with cuttlefish bone, Arca, Fritillaria thunbergii, Bletilla striata, and Licorice.
4. Edema and Breathlessness: Haiha is prescribed for edema accompanied by shortness of breath and difficulty lying flat. Edema affecting the head and face, reminiscent of edema and breathlessness in cor pulmonale, is often treated with Semen Lepidii, Stephania tetrandra, Kansui Radix, and Mulberry Bark. Prescriptions encompass "Haifang Pill," "Haiha Powder," and "Haiha Suo Bing."
5. Thyroid Enlargement and Lymphadenitis: Haiha is commonly used for conditions akin to thyroid enlargement, often combined with Ginseng, Sargassum, Poria cocos, and Pinellia ternata. Prescriptions include "Haiha Powder." For tuberculous lymphadenitis, it is often combined with Sargassum, Oyster shell, Prunella vulgaris, and Forsythia suspensa.
6. Vaginal Itching and Wetness: Haiha is utilized for conditions such as vaginitis, vulvar eczema, and vulvar ulceration, often combined with Realgar and Borneol. It can also be combined with Calomel, Indigo naturalis, Cortex Phellodendri, and Calcined Gypsum for rosacea treatment.
Chinese Herbal Prescriptions Containing Haiha
1. Huatan Pill (Jiezhai Fang): Haiha powder, Radix Asparagi, Scutellaria baicalensis, dried tangerine peel, Trichosanthes root, Cyperus rotundus, Platycodon grandiflorum, Forsythia suspensa, Indigo naturalis, and honey pills.
2. Jinhua Pill (Danxi Xinfa): Haiha powder, almond, Gardenia jasminoides, Cyperus rotundus, Indigo naturalis, Trichosanthes root, Stephania tetrandra, and honey pills.
3. Haiha Pill (Danxi Xinfa): Haiha and Trichosanthes root, honey pills.
4. Hanhua Pill (Zhengzhi Zhuncheng): Haiha powder, Sargassum, Laminaria japonica, Arca, Galla chinensis, Chebula, Wulingzhi, and swine thyroid gland
