Zoological substancesWind-extinguishingConcha Haliotidis

Shi Jue Ming (Abalone Shell)

Q: What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Shi Jue Ming?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Shi Jue Ming is salty and cold , enters the Liver channel, and acts to calm the Liver and subdue yang, clear Liver heat and brighten the eyes . It is used for headache and dizziness, red eyes with nebula, blurred vision, and night blindness or glaucoma-like conditions. Salty-cold and heavy, it specifically enters the Liver, strongly subdues ascendant yang, clears Liver fire and also nourishes Liver yin—suited to Liver-yang rising or Liver-heat eye disorders, not to Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold without heat signs for prolonged use.

Q: What is the usual dosage of Shi Jue Ming? Can it be taken daily as a Liver-calming eye tea?

The usual decoction dose is 6–20 g (sometimes listed 15–30 g), crushed and pre-decocted. It is not a daily health tea. Those without Liver-yang rising or Liver heat should not use it. Liver-yang dizziness and eye disorders require a practitioner to decide raw versus calcined form and pre-decoction time. Those with weak digestion should not take it long-term.

Q: How do you select and store Shi Jue Ming?

Choose large, thick shells with a smooth inner surface of pearly luster and outer spiral ribs or holes ; nine-holed specimens are preferred. Lots with many impurities, no luster or over-broken pieces are inferior. After calcining the texture becomes brittle and easy to crush. Store in a dry place. Purchase abalone-shell sourced Shi Jue Ming; use raw or calcined according to the prescription and do not confuse it with Jue Ming Zi.

A practical guide to Shi Jue Ming: what it is, how Traditional Chinese Medicine uses it, the classical formulas it appears in, and who should be careful with it.

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Last reviewed Oct 13, 2026

Quick Facts

Latin Name	Concha Haliotidis
Chinese Name & Pinyin	石決明 · Shi Jue Ming
Medicinal Part	Zoological substances
The herb	Shi Jue Ming is abalone shell with an iridescent inner face. Jue Ming Zi is a seed. Abalone meat is not this decoction piece. Decoct it first.
Nature and channels	Salty, cold. Enters the Liver. Saltiness softens and directs down. Cold clears Liver heat. Heaviness subdues yang.
Pharmacopoeia line	Calms the Liver and subdues yang. Clears the Liver and brightens the eyes. Used for headache and dizziness, red eyes and nebula, blurred vision, green blindness, and night blindness.
Pattern cues	Headache and dizziness. Red eyes and nebula. Blurred vision. Wiry pulse.
In this article	Shi Jue Ming versus Jue Ming Zi, Mu Li, and Zhen Zhu Mu. Raw versus calcined. Why it is decocted first. Why deficiency-cold should skip it. Who should skip it.

What Is Shi Jue Ming?

Shi Jue Ming (石决明; Shí Jué Míng; Latin: Haliotidis Concha; English: abalone shell) is the shell of Haliotis diversicolor Reeve, Haliotis discus hannai, or related abalone. In Chinese medicine it is a Liver-calming, yang-subduing herb. It is salty and cold, enters the Liver channel, and its core actions are to calm the Liver and subdue yang, and to clear the Liver and brighten the eyes. It is not Jue Ming Zi. That is the seed of cassia. It clears the Liver, brightens the eyes, and moistens the intestines. It is light and does not subdue yang. One character apart: one is a shell, one is a seed. It is not abalone meat. The meat is food. The official drug is the shell, decocted first. Use legally sourced pieces.

It is used most often for three patterns:

Ascendant Liver yang — headache, dizziness
Liver-heat red eyes — red swollen eyes, nebula
Dim vision — blurred sight, green blindness, night blindness

Raw Shi Jue Ming more strongly calms the Liver and clears Liver heat. Calcined shell is less salty-cold and leans toward astringing. The usual decoction dose is 6–20 g, decocted first. A cold weak spleen and loose stools are a caution. Salty, cold, and heavy, it is not a “bright-eye shell tea” that can swap with cassia seed.

When Liver yang rises or Liver heat attacks the eyes, dizziness, headache, and blurred vision are common. Shi Jue Ming is salty-cold and heavy. It subdues, clears, and brightens the eyes, which is why it is often paired with Gou Teng, Ju Hua, and Bai Shao. It subdues more than it warms. Cold limbs and dim vision from qi-blood deficiency get worse if more cold weight is added.

Shi Jue Ming is not a catch-all Liver or eye herb. In blood deficiency failing to nourish, or middle cold with no heat, using it alone can injure the middle. Raw or calcined should be decided by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner after pattern diagnosis.

Shi Jue Ming: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Concha Haliotidis

Botanical Origin

The dired shell of Haliotis diversicolor Reeve, Haliotis discus hannai Ino, Haliotis ovina Gmelin, Haliotis ruber (Leach), Haliotis asinina Linnaeus, Haliotis laevigata (Donovan). (Haliotidae). Harvest in summer and autumn, removed flesh, wash and dry.

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Liaoning, Shandong.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material is large, even, unbroken, thick, with colorful inner surface.

Macroscopic Features

Haliotis diversicolor Reeve: long oval shape, inner side view is slightly ear-shape, 7~9cm long, 5~6cm wide, about 2cm tall. Externally dark red, with numerous irregular spiral ribs and dense long lines, spire portion is small, shell body is large, beginning from the apex of the spire, over 20 tubercular protuberances are arranged in a direction towards the right, at the end are 6~9 open holes, opening is even to the shell surface. Inner surface is smooth, with pearl-like colorful luster. Shell is relatively thick, hard texture, hard to break. faint odor, slightly salty taste. Haliotis discus hannai Ino: Long oval shape, 8~12cm long, 6~8cm wide, 2~3cm tall. Externally grayish-brown, with numerous rough and irregular wrinkles, and obvious long lines, often has attachment of moss or lime, end side has 4~5 open holes, opening is raised up to the shell surface, shell is relatively thin. Haliotis ovina Gmelin: Sub-spherical shape, 4~8cm long, 2.5~6cm wide, 0.8~2cm tall. Shell top is near the center and higher than the shell surface, spire portion and shell body both take 1/2 of the body, from the spire edge has 2 rows of even protuberances, especially obvious on the upper portion, end portion has 4~5 open holes, tube-like. Haliotis ruber (Leach): Flat oval shape, 13~17cm long, 11~14cm wide, 3.5~6cm tall. Externally brick-red, spire portion is about 1/2 of shell surface, spire rib and long lines are wavy raised, more than 30 verruca, end portion has 7~9 open holes, opening is raised up to shell surface. Haliotis asinina Linnaeus: Narrow and long, slightly curved, ear-like, 5~8cm long, 2.5~3.5cm wide, about 1cm tall. Externally smooth, with green, purple and brown color spots, spire portion is small, body spire is large, end has 5~7 open holes, opening is even to the shell surface which often is oval, thin shell, relatively brittle texture. Haliotis laevigata (Donovan): Oval shape, 11~14cm long, 8.5~11cm wide, 3~6.5cmtall. Externally brick-red, smooth, shell apex is higher than the shell surface, growing line is quite obvious, spire portion is about 1/3 of shell surface, more than 30 tubercular protuberances, end has 9 open holes, opening is even to the shell surface.

Origins and Quality Identification

Quality Factors: Premium quality is often associated with coastal regions like Guangdong, Fujian, and Shandong.
How to Identify: A high-quality shell is thick, heavy, and hard, with a bright exterior and a pearlescent shine on the inside. It should have a faint, salty ocean scent. Raw pieces look like irregular crushed shells, while the calcined version is grayish-white and easily crumbles.

Traditional Properties & Historical Lineage

Nature, Flavour & Channel Tropism

Salty; ColdLiver

1. Historical Records

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Classic of the Materia Medica): Ranked as a top-tier herb, noted for treating eye pain and blurry vision.
Ming Yi Bie Lu (Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians): Mentioned its ability to clear Liver fire, helping the body restore its natural balance and energy.
Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica): Clearly defined its core function: "calming the Liver, clearing heat, and brightening the eyes."

2. Evolution of Medicinal Understanding

Clearing Heat: Over time, practitioners recognized its specific strength in clearing stubborn heat from the Liver and Lungs.
Anchoring Energy: Its heavy, sinking nature makes it a classic choice for symptoms like head pressure, dizziness, and tension caused by energy rising too quickly to the head.
Safety Note: Because of its cold nature, practitioners agree it should be avoided by individuals with a "Cold-Deficient" digestive system (Spleen and Stomach), as it may cause stomach upset.

Core Efficacies & Traditional Applications

Traditional Functions

Calms liver, subdues yang, clears liver, brightens eyes. Apply to headache and dizziness, red eye and eye screen, blur vision, glaucoma and night blindness.

1. Primary Focus: Calming the Liver and Anchoring Yang

Traditional Function: The core strength of Shi Jue Ming (Abalone Shell) is its heavy, descending nature. It helps to settle hyperactive Liver Yang, pulling down excess energy that rushes up to the head.
Target Symptoms: It is heavily used for "Liver Yang Rising" patterns, which show up as head pressure, throbbing headaches, dizziness, emotional irritability, poor sleep, and even tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Common Pairings: It is frequently combined with Gou Teng (Uncaria Vine) and Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum Flower) to boost its calming effects, and often mixed with sleep-aiding herbs if restlessness is an issue.
When to Avoid: Do not use this if you have a "Cold-Deficient" Spleen and Stomach (you often feel cold in the stomach or have loose stools), or if your dizziness is accompanied by feeling cold and having cold hands and feet. Its cold nature will make these issues worse.

2. Secondary Focus: Clearing the Liver and Brightening the Eyes

Traditional Function: It clears "heat" or "fire" trapped in the Liver, which in TCM is directly connected to eye health.
Target Symptoms: Ideal for "Liver Fire Flaring," characterized by red, dry, or painful eyes, blurred vision, excessive eye discharge, a bitter taste in the mouth, and a short temper.
Common Pairings: Often brewed with Jue Ming Zi (Cassia Seed) and Xia Ku Cao (Prunella Spike) for intense eye relief.
When to Avoid: If your eyes are dry but not overly red or painful, and you also experience hot hands/feet or night sweats, this indicates a "deficiency" issue. Avoid this herb, as its cold nature could further drain your body's energy.

3. Common Herb Pairings: Synergistic Duos

The most classic pairing is Shi Jue Ming (Abalone Shell) with Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum Flower). While Ju Hua gently scatters heat and wind from the head, Shi Jue Ming heavily anchors the rising energy and clears the eyes. Together, they form a perfect balance to relieve dizziness, head pressure, and red eyes. This should always be dosed properly by a professional.

Modern Research

Modern research offers useful context, but Traditional Chinese Medicine prescribes on whole-pattern diagnosis rather than isolated compounds.

1. Primary Chemical Components

Modern analysis shows that Shi Jue Ming (Abalone Shell) is mostly made of calcium carbonate, along with organic matter and trace minerals like magnesium, iron, and sodium. Preliminary animal tests suggest mild antioxidant properties and a potential role in blood pressure regulation, though these are not yet proven in human clinical trials.

2. Modern Pharmacological Focus

Current laboratory research is exploring how its organic matter and trace elements might connect to the traditional "eye-brightening" effect. Scientists are also looking into potential mild anti-inflammatory effects and its foundational impact on the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

3. Limitations of Modern Research

While modern science offers interesting insights, it has strict limits when applied to traditional herbs:

Lab vs. Life: Results from test tubes and animal models do not automatically translate to human clinical success.
Extracts vs. Whole Herb: Studies often use highly concentrated, isolated chemicals, which behave very differently from drinking a traditional whole-herb decoction.
Inconsistent Methods: Different extraction methods yield different active compounds, making it hard to compare studies.
Holistic Synergy: TCM relies on the combined, synergistic effect of the whole shell. Isolating a single chemical cannot explain or replace the herb's overall traditional function.

Comparing Similar Herbs

1. Shared Traits with Similar Herbs

Shi Jue Ming (Abalone Shell) is frequently compared to Zhen Zhu Mu (Nacre / Mother of Pearl). Both are shells that calm the Liver, anchor rising Yang, and relieve dizziness, head pressure, and heat-related eye issues.

2. Core Differences

Nature: Both are cold and salty. However, Shi Jue Ming heavily focuses on pulling energy downward, while Zhen Zhu Mu also has a slight nourishing effect on the Heart.
Strengths: Shi Jue Ming is the specialist for clearing intense heat in the head and eyes. Zhen Zhu Mu is better at calming the spirit and treating insomnia or anxiety.
Target Symptoms: Shi Jue Ming targets "excess" symptoms like red eyes, throbbing headaches, and a bitter mouth. Zhen Zhu Mu is aimed at symptoms of a restless mind, like palpitations, panic, and dream-disturbed sleep.
Usage Context: You would use Shi Jue Ming for summer heat causing head pressure and sore eyes, but you would use Zhen Zhu Mu for insomnia caused by chronic stress or staying up too late.

3. A One-Sentence Summary

Shi Jue Ming (Abalone Shell) is your go-to for clearing intense head pressure and red eyes, while Zhen Zhu Mu (Nacre) is better for settling a restless, anxious mind and improving sleep.

Classical Formulas Containing Shi Jue Ming

Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

天麻鉤藤飲Minister

Formula CategoryLiver-Wind Extinguishing FormulasPrimary PatternLiver FirePrimary FunctionCalm Liver Yang, extinguish internal wind, clear heatRelated ConditionsHeadache·Dizziness & Vertigo·Tinnitus·Anxiety Restlessness

View Formula Profile Read Complete Guide

Formulas vs. Single Herbs

Synergy is Key: A formula is a balanced team. The healing power comes from how the herbs interact, so a single herb cannot simply replicate a full formula's effects.
Holistic Balance: The exact dosage and combination in a formula affect the entire body. Never try to mix or alter these formulas at home based on internet articles.

Diet & Daily Home Use

1. Home Herbal Teas and Soups

Abalone Shell & Chrysanthemum Tea:
- Ingredients: 6g Raw Shi Jue Ming (crushed), 3g Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum Flower), 2g Gou Qi (Goji Berry).
- Method: Place the crushed shell, flowers, and berries in a teapot. Pour boiling water over them and steep for 10 minutes.
- Best For: Relieving eye strain, dryness, and mild head pressure from overworking or summer heat.
- Not For: People with weak, cold digestion or loose stools. Limit to 1-2 times a week.
Calming Lean Pork Soup:
- Ingredients: 10g Calcined Shi Jue Ming (crushed), 50g lean pork (blanched), 1 slice Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger).
- Method: Simmer all ingredients in a clay pot with water on low heat for 1 hour. Add a pinch of salt.
- Best For: Mild dizziness associated with Liver Yang rising. Limit to once every two weeks.

2. Usage and Preparation

There is a big difference between the raw and calcined (baked) forms. Raw Shi Jue Ming is colder and better for intense heat. Calcined Shi Jue Ming is brittle, easier to boil down, and slightly gentler on the stomach.

Cooking Rule: Because it is a hard shell, it requires pre-decocting. You must boil the shell alone in water for 20-30 minutes before adding any other herbs or ingredients to fully extract its benefits.

3. Dosage and Usage Cycle

Clinical doses range from 6-15g, but for home wellness, keep it low (6g for tea, 10g for soup). Do not use this long-term. Use it for no more than a week, then take a 1-2 week break. Always consult a practitioner if you have underlying health conditions.

Contraindications & Safety Warnings

1. Who Should Avoid It

Cold Constitutions: If you have a weak stomach, frequently experience loose stools, or feel cold easily, avoid this herb.
Vulnerable Groups: Pregnant and nursing women, children, and the elderly should avoid it unless explicitly prescribed by a TCM doctor.
Allergies: Do not use if you have an allergy to abalone, shellfish, or marine products.

2. Medication Interactions and Dietary Notes

Shi Jue Ming (Abalone Shell) may interact with blood pressure medications and sedatives. If you are taking any prescription drugs, you must consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this herb to ensure it doesn't amplify or block your medication's effects. Never adjust your prescription doses on your own.

3. Adverse Reactions and Overdose Risks

While generally safe, taking too much can cause stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea due to its cold, heavy nature. If you experience severe gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions (like skin rashes or breathing difficulty), or if your symptoms worsen rapidly, stop using it immediately and seek medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shi Jue Ming

What is Shi Jue Ming? Are Jue Ming Zi, Zhen Zhu Mu and calcined Shi Jue Ming the same?

Official Shi Jue Ming (石决明) is the shell of abalone species such as Haliotis diversicolor, H. discus hannai and others. The pharmacopoeial name is Haliotidis Concha, also known as nine-holed shell or abalone shell. Jue Ming Zi is the seed of Cassia, sweet-bitter and slightly cold, clears Liver heat, brightens eyes and moistens intestines—completely different origin and actions. Zhen Zhu Mu (mother-of-pearl) also calms Liver yang and brightens eyes but additionally settles the spirit as it enters the Heart channel. Calcined Shi Jue Ming reduces the salty-cold nature and enhances astringent, vision-improving effects. Must be crushed and decocted first. Write Shi Jue Ming; do not confuse with Jue Ming Zi.

What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Shi Jue Ming?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Shi Jue Ming is salty and cold, enters the Liver channel, and acts to calm the Liver and subdue yang, clear Liver heat and brighten the eyes. It is used for headache and dizziness, red eyes with nebula, blurred vision, and night blindness or glaucoma-like conditions. Salty-cold and heavy, it specifically enters the Liver, strongly subdues ascendant yang, clears Liver fire and also nourishes Liver yin—suited to Liver-yang rising or Liver-heat eye disorders, not to Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold without heat signs for prolonged use.

How do you choose raw versus calcined Shi Jue Ming? Does it need to be decocted first?

Calming Liver and subduing yang, clearing Liver heat and brightening eyes more often use raw Shi Jue Ming; superficial visual obstruction and astringent brightening of vision more often use calcined Shi Jue Ming. The shell is hard and must be crushed and pre-decocted 20–30 minutes or longer, otherwise minerals will not dissolve. Salt-processed form can enhance Kidney entry and vision benefit. Do not add directly to the pot with other herbs.

What is the usual dosage of Shi Jue Ming? Can it be taken daily as a Liver-calming eye tea?

The usual decoction dose is 6–20 g (sometimes listed 15–30 g), crushed and pre-decocted. It is not a daily health tea. Those without Liver-yang rising or Liver heat should not use it. Liver-yang dizziness and eye disorders require a practitioner to decide raw versus calcined form and pre-decoction time. Those with weak digestion should not take it long-term.

What are the contraindications of Shi Jue Ming? Can pregnant women use it?

Use with caution or avoid in Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold, indigestion or lack of gastric acid. Salty-cold and heavy, it burdens the Stomach. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children need professional guidance. Those with seafood allergy should use caution. Sudden vision change or severe eye pain requires immediate medical attention (possible glaucoma or retinal detachment). Avoid pairing with strongly hot herbs such as aconite.

Can Shi Jue Ming calm the Liver, subdue yang and brighten the eyes?

It can assist Liver-yang rising and Liver-heat eye disorders. Dizziness and headache join Gastrodia, Uncaria and chrysanthemum. Red eyes with nebula join Cassia seed, chrysanthemum and Eriocaulon. Heavy and salty-cold, it strongly subdues yang, clears Liver fire and also nourishes Liver yin, with particularly strong vision-brightening action—not a specific for every hypertension or every myopia. Internal Liver-wind with twitching needs additional wind-extinguishing herbs.

Can Shi Jue Ming be taken daily as a blood-pressure or eye-protecting tea?

Liver-yang rising or Liver-heat red eyes may be used short-term in combination; those without heat signs or with Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold should not use it. “Shi Jue Ming lowers blood pressure and protects eyes” does not replace conventional diagnosis and ophthalmologic examination. Calming the Liver and brightening vision requires a practitioner to decide raw versus calcined form and pre-decoction time.

How do you choose among Shi Jue Ming, Jue Ming Zi, Zhen Zhu Mu, Mu Li and Long Gu?

Abalone shell is salty-cold and heavy: calms Liver and subdues yang, clears Liver heat and brightens eyes, enters Liver specifically, strongest for vision and also nourishes Liver yin. Cassia seed is sweet-bitter and slightly cold: clears Liver heat, brightens eyes and moistens the intestines—a plant seed suited to Liver-heat constipation. Mother-of-pearl is salty-cold: calms Liver yang, brightens eyes and also settles the spirit as it enters the Heart. Oyster shell is salty and slightly cold: calms Liver, softens hardness, astringes and also nourishes Yin. Dragon bone is heavy: settles the spirit, calms Liver yang and astringes. Liver-yang eye disorders prefer Shi Jue Ming; concurrent restlessness favors Zhen Zhu Mu; concurrent phlegm nodules or leakage favors Mu Li; heavy settling of the spirit favors Long Gu. They may be combined; all heavy salty-cold substances should be used cautiously in Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold.

Which herbs is Shi Jue Ming commonly combined with? What are representative formulas?

Liver-yang rising joins Uncaria, Gastrodia, chrysanthemum and Achyranthes, often as a modification of Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin. Clearing Liver heat and brightening eyes joins chrysanthemum, Cassia seed, Eriocaulon and Buddleia. Must be crushed and pre-decocted 20–30 minutes. May be paired with mother-of-pearl to strengthen yang-subduing and spirit-settling.

How do you select and store Shi Jue Ming?

Choose large, thick shells with a smooth inner surface of pearly luster and outer spiral ribs or holes; nine-holed specimens are preferred. Lots with many impurities, no luster or over-broken pieces are inferior. After calcining the texture becomes brittle and easy to crush. Store in a dry place. Purchase abalone-shell sourced Shi Jue Ming; use raw or calcined according to the prescription and do not confuse it with Jue Ming Zi.

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Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.