Wa Leng Zi瓦楞子

Concha ArcaeArk Shell

Also known asCockle Shell

Category: Herbs that Invigorate the Blood (Substances for Topical Application)
Nature: neutral
Taste: salty
Channels entered: Liver, Spleen, Lung
Secondary channels: Stomach
Dosage: 9–30 g

Usual doses

Invigorates the Blood, dissolves Phlegm, resolves Stagnation, softens hardness and dissipates nodules: Immobile or mobile abdominal masses involving either Blood Stasis, Stagnant Qi or Phlegm Accumulation
Scrofula and goiter
Absorbs acid and alleviates pain: Chronic Stomach pain or Blood Stasis pain such as ulcer pain with vomiting and acid regurgitation (must be calcined)

- Hai Zao
- Kun Bu
- Hai Dai
Phlegm nodules, including goiter.
- San Leng
- E Zhu
Fixed masses in the abdomen.
- Zhe Bei Mu
- Xia Ku Cao
- (Lian Qiao)
Scrofula arising from Phlegm-Fire.
- Fu Shi
- Zi Wan
- (Zhe Bei Mu
- (Kuan Dong Hua)
Cough caused by stubborn Phlegm.
- Xiang Fu
- Tao Ren
Dysmenorrhea from Qi and Blood Stagnation.
- Gan Cao
Epigastric pain accompanied by acid regurgitation.
- Hai Piao Xiao
- Chen Pi
Acid regurgitation with epigastric pain.
Fixed or mobile masses from accumulated Qi, Blood or Phlegm, including hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and gastrointestinal tumors.
Painful menstruation.

It can be added to cancer formulas for tumors, swellings, lumps and growths.
It is especially effective at dispersing chronic, longstanding Phlegm.
It is used for intestinal ulcers, hepatosplenomegaly and cancers of the digestive tract.
It is also credited with a calming, tranquilizing effect.
Calcined Ark Shell, Duan Wa Leng Zi, absorbs acid more effectively and better relieves the pain of peptic ulcers.
Vinegar-calcined Ark Shell, Cu Wa Leng Zi, penetrates the Blood level more readily, curbing gastric-juice secretion while dispersing Stasis, resolving abdominal masses and relieving pain.