Shí Jué Míng (石决明), known in English as Abalone shell (Haliotis diversicolor (shell)), is a cold, salty Chinese herb from the Anchor Yang / extinguish Wind category. It enters the Liver channel. Its main action: anchors Liver Yang, clears Liver Heat.
| Pinyin | Shí Jué Míng (Shi Jue Ming) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 石决明 |
| English | Abalone shell |
| Botanical name | Haliotis diversicolor (shell) |
| Category | Anchor Yang / extinguish Wind |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Salty |
| Channels | Liver |
| Dosage | 15–30g (decoct first) |
| Cautions | Spleen deficiency with Cold; no Liver Yang excess |
Actions
- Anchors Liver Yang, clears Liver Heat
- Clears Liver, brightens eyes
Indications
- Liver Yang rising with dizziness, headache, tinnitus
- Red eyes from Liver Fire
- Cataracts
How to remember Shí Jué Míng
Anchor Yang / extinguish Wind herbs are mostly cool or cold, and most enter the Liver channel.
- You can work these out
- Cold: like most Anchor Yang / extinguish Wind herbs
- Liver channel: from its action “Anchors Liver Yang”
- Learn by heart
- Salty: Anchor Yang / extinguish Wind herbs vary in flavour
Formulas containing Shí Jué Míng
Other Anchor Yang / extinguish Wind herbs
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Shí Jué Míng?
Shí Jué Míng is cold and salty.
Which channels does Shí Jué Míng enter?
Shí Jué Míng enters the Liver channel.
What are the actions of Shí Jué Míng?
Anchors Liver Yang, clears Liver Heat; Clears Liver, brightens eyes.
What is Shí Jué Míng used for?
Liver Yang rising with dizziness, headache, tinnitus; red eyes from Liver Fire; cataracts.
Which formulas contain Shí Jué Míng?
Tiān Má Gōu Téng Yǐn.
Practise Shí Jué Míng and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.