Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Arcae Concha (calcined) |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 煅瓦楞子 · Duan Wa Leng Zi |
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| Medicinal Part | Zoological substances |
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| Efficacy Category | Phlegm-resolving |
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| Botanical Origin | The shell of Scapharca subcrenata (Lischke), Tegillarca granosa (Linnaeus), or Anadara broughtonii (Schrenck) (Arcidae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Salty; Neutral |
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| Channels Entered | Lung, Stomach, Liver |
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What Is Duan Wa Leng Zi?
Duan Wa Leng Zi (Calcined Ark Shell) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the coastal areas of the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shandong, Guangdong, Liaoning.
Nature & Flavour: Salty; Neutral
Channels Entered: Lung, Stomach, Liver
Duan Wa Leng Zi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Arcae Concha (calcined)
Botanical Origin
The shell of Scapharca subcrenata (Lischke), Tegillarca granosa (Linnaeus), or Anadara broughtonii (Schrenck) (Arcidae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the coastal areas of the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shandong, Guangdong, Liaoning.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is clean, white, and brittle after calcining.
Macroscopic Features
Rhombic or fan-shaped shell, 2~4cm long, 1.5~4cm wide. Externally white or grayish-white, with 18~20 radial raised ribs; after calcining, surface is pale grayish, brittle, often broken into fragments. Fractured surface is porcelain-like. Faint odor, tasteless.
Traditional TCM Properties
Salty; NeutralLungStomachLiver
Traditional Functions
Resolves phlegm and dissipates stasis, softens hard masses, neutralizes acid and stops pain; calcined form enhances acid-neutralizing action.
How Duan Wa Leng Zi Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Duan Wa Leng Zi is classified among the Phlegm-resolving herbs.
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.
