To treat stomach bleeding and vomiting blood, powdered cuttlefish bone can be taken in small doses, 4-5 times daily, 1-2 grams each time. It can be consumed with rice water or an infusion of white lily bulb (10-20 grams of white lily bulb simmered in 300 ml of water).
Traditional medicine primarily utilizes plant-based materials grown and harvested on land, but it also incorporates some animal products found in the sea.
Seahorse (Hippocampus): This species lives in saltwater and has a head resembling that of a horse. Seahorses of any color can be used as medicine, though white and yellow varieties are considered superior. In traditional medicine, seahorses are believed to enhance sexual function, assist in intercourse, and treat infertility in women… The recommended dosage is 4-12 grams either as an infusion or in powdered form daily.
Sea Turtle Scutes: The shell of the sea turtle, known as “dao mao,” is the dried scales from the turtle. These scales are recognized for their heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, commonly used to treat fevers, delirium from high fever, calm the spirit, and alleviate boils and blood stasis. The daily dosage is 4-8 grams in infusion or powdered form.
Cuttlefish Bone: Cuttlefish bone is the cleaned, dried shell of the cuttlefish, primarily sourced from the larger species. It is often gathered from deceased cuttlefish washed ashore by waves. After the cuttlefish is prepared for consumption, the bones are cleaned and dried. When used, the hard outer shell is removed, and the inner bone is ground into powder or cut into small pieces. Cuttlefish bone is rich in calcium salts. It is utilized to treat stomach pain with high acidity due to increased gastric acid secretion, bleeding ulcers, stunted growth in children, and excessive menstrual bleeding in women. The recommended dosage is 6-12 grams, divided into 3-4 doses with honey. Externally, it can be powdered and applied to wounds to stop bleeding and heal sores.
Mother-of-Pearl (Mẫu Lệ): This is the dried shell of various types of clams, including the large and thick-shelled river clams. When used, the shells can be ground to powder or calcined before grinding. Mother-of-pearl is rich in calcium salts and is used in traditional medicine to treat stomach pain with high acidity, weakness, night sweats, and excessive menstrual bleeding. The daily dosage is 6-12 grams in powdered, decoction, or tablet form. Externally, it can be powdered to treat boils and sores by sprinkling it onto the affected areas.
Abalone Shell (Thạch Quyết Minh): This is the dried shell of various abalone species. Abalone is a type of mollusk with a hard shell, flatter than a clam’s, typically found in high-salinity coastal areas with rocky reefs, especially abundant around Bai Long Vi and Co To islands. In addition to harvesting abalone from the wild, they are also farmed for a steady supply. After harvesting, the shell is cleaned of dirt and algae, soaked in a diluted salt solution, then shucked and dried for medicinal use, while the meat can be cooked and dried as a delicacy. Although shucking fresh abalone is more challenging than cooking it first, the shells are often more colorful and of better quality.
When using abalone shells as medicine, they can be used fresh, cleaned, dried, and powdered, or calcined before grinding. Abalone shells are rich in calcium salts and are employed in traditional medicine to treat stomach pain with high acidity, stop bleeding, and improve eyesight. The daily dosage is 3-6 grams in powdered form or 15-30 grams as a decoction.
Some Herbal Remedies
For male impotence and female infertility: Use a couple of dried seahorses, grind into powder. Take 2 grams three times a day, using rice wine to wash it down.
To treat acid reflux stomach pain: Mother-of-pearl and licorice, each 8 grams, ground into powder and taken multiple times daily.
For excessive sweating: Mother-of-pearl and rice bran, each 10 grams; astragalus and ephedra, each 4 grams, decocted and taken in multiple doses throughout the day.
To treat leucorrhea: Mother-of-pearl (calcined and ground), sophora flower, each 40 grams, dried and powdered. Take 12 grams of this powder in divided doses daily.
For newly swollen boils: Use powdered mother-of-pearl mixed with water to apply, allowing it to dry before reapplying.
For eye pain from sun exposure: Abalone shell, chrysanthemum flower, and licorice, each 4 grams, decocted with 200 ml of water, cooled, and consumed. Take one dose daily.
Prof. Doan Thi Nhu, Health & Life
