Cuttlefish shell, with its warming properties and salty taste, has long been used as a valuable medicinal material in traditional medicine. It has numerous health benefits, particularly in treating issues related to abnormal discharge, ulcers, hemorrhaging, and removing cold dampness. Below is detailed information about cuttlefish shell and its benefits.
What is Cuttlefish Shell?
Cuttlefish shell, also known as Cuttlefish bone, Hai phieu tieu, or Octopus bone when dried, refers to the common names of Sepia esculenta Hoyle and Sepia andrean Steen-Strup, belonging to the cuttlefish family. With significant medicinal value, cuttlefish shell is a precious product harvested from cuttlefish, squid, and other cephalopods after they have been dried.
Cuttlefish shell, also known as cuttlefish bone, Hai phieu tieu, or Octopus bone…
Cuttlefish are aquatic animals that thrive in saltwater environments, typically found in sandy or muddy bottoms, especially in areas shaped like depressions between sandbanks. They often live in schools in the bottom waters and rise to the upper layers to search for food. While swimming, cuttlefish can extend their eyes and change their skin color to blend with their surroundings, helping them avoid predators. In dangerous situations, cuttlefish can retreat and expel ink, creating a dark cloud to obscure their escape. They also tend to be attracted to light and white colors. Cuttlefish artists, drawn to light, often produce large amounts of ink to lure them.
Cuttlefish primarily feed on small fish, fish eggs, and other tiny organisms in their aquatic environment. The cuttlefish harvesting season typically runs from March to September, peaking around April to June when the cuttlefish move closer to shore to spawn.
In Vietnam, cuttlefish are commonly found in the coastal regions of Khanh Hoa, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An provinces. After being harvested, they are cleaned and gutted for their meat. The cuttlefish shell is separated from the body, then rinsed to remove salt and dried. When used as a medicinal material, cuttlefish shell is often completely stripped of its hard outer shell and ground into a fine powder. Besides harvesting from live cuttlefish, cuttlefish shells are also collected from large cuttlefish that have died at sea and been washed ashore. Cuttlefish shells primarily contain inorganic components, including sodium chloride, calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, gelatinous substances, and a small amount of organic matter.
Medicinal Properties of Cuttlefish Shell
Cuttlefish shell, a valuable medicinal material, not only has nutritional value but also offers significant medical benefits. With its salty taste and warming properties, cuttlefish shell contains many inorganic components, including calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, calcium phosphate, gelatinous substances, and some organic compounds. According to modern pharmacological studies, cuttlefish shell has the following medicinal effects:
Firstly, the calcium carbonate content in cuttlefish shell helps neutralize stomach acid, alleviating symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting after meals. This means that cuttlefish shell can soothe pain and reduce discomfort in the stomach area.
The calcium carbonate content in cuttlefish shell helps neutralize stomach acid.
Additionally, cuttlefish shell reduces stimulation of the gastric mucosa and aids in the recovery of inflamed ulcer cells. The components found in cuttlefish shell assist in healing damage and enhancing tissue regeneration. This is particularly beneficial for treating stomach issues such as gastric ulcers.
Cuttlefish shell also has the ability to inhibit cholinergic antagonism, which counteracts the cholinergic neurotransmitter. This helps prevent the production of gastric acid, thereby reducing pain symptoms and combating issues related to acid overload in the stomach.
The gelatinous substance (pectin) present in cuttlefish shell plays a crucial role in protecting and healing ulcers in the gastric mucosa. Pectin forms a protective layer that helps limit bleeding and stimulates recovery.
Moreover, when cuttlefish shell is processed into powder, it also has coagulant properties that can assist in stopping localized bleeding. This can be helpful in halting bleeding from minor wounds or issues related to hemorrhaging.
In traditional Eastern medicine, cuttlefish shell is used to treat various ailments such as blurred vision, irregular menstruation, sunburn, hemorrhaging, otitis media, gastric ulcers, tuberculosis, and excess gastric acid. After being processed and thoroughly cleaned, cuttlefish shell is ground into powder and sprinkled onto the affected area. It can also be used in powder or pill form, with a typical dosage of about 4-6g per day.
What to Note When Using Cuttlefish Shell as Medicine?
When using it to treat hemorrhaging, especially in cases of bleeding from open wounds, it is advisable to use cuttlefish shell powder instead of decocting it. You can grind the cuttlefish shell into powder and mix it with pine pollen before applying it to the wound and securing it tightly to control bleeding.
When cuttlefish shell is processed into powder, it also has coagulant properties that can assist in stopping localized bleeding.
It is important to note that the use of remedies containing cuttlefish shell should be discussed and guided by a healthcare professional. A doctor or an experienced pharmacist can assess your health condition and provide appropriate dosages and usage instructions. They can also check the safety and drug interactions of cuttlefish shell with any medications you are currently taking.
Additionally, if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction or side effects after using cuttlefish shell, stop using it and consult a doctor immediately. Some allergic reactions may include: rashes, itching, swelling of the lips or eyes, difficulty breathing, or nausea.
Finally, cuttlefish shell should not be used for self-treating serious illnesses or as a substitute for conventional medical therapy. If you have any serious symptoms or health issues, seek advice and treatment from trusted healthcare professionals.
Conclusion: Cuttlefish shell can be utilized in various traditional remedies to address specific health problems. However, its use should be conducted under the guidance of healthcare professionals, adhering to specific dosages and usage instructions. If any allergic reactions or side effects occur, it is essential to stop usage and consult a doctor immediately.
