Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Margarita |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 珍珠 · Zhen Zhu |
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| Medicinal Part | Zoological substances |
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| Efficacy Category | Mind-calming |
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| Botanical Origin | The pearl formed in Pteria martensii (Dunker), Hyriopsis cumingii (Lea), or Cristaria plicata (Leach) (Pteriidae / Unionidae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet, Salty; Cold |
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| Channels Entered | Heart, Liver |
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What Is Zhen Zhu?
Zhen Zhu (Pearl) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Marine pearls from Guangdong and Guangxi waters; freshwater pearls from Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Salty; Cold
Channels Entered: Heart, Liver
Zhen Zhu: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Margarita
Botanical Origin
The pearl formed in Pteria martensii (Dunker), Hyriopsis cumingii (Lea), or Cristaria plicata (Leach) (Pteriidae / Unionidae).
Production Regions
Marine pearls from Guangdong and Guangxi waters; freshwater pearls from Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is spherical, finely lustrous, and free of dull or chalky grains.
Macroscopic Features
Nearly spherical or irregular grains, 1~8mm; externally white to pale gold with pearly luster; hard; fracture layered and lustrous.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet, Salty; ColdHeartLiver
Traditional Functions
Settles the heart, calms the spirit, brightens the eyes, and generates flesh. Apply to palpitations, convulsions, red eyes, and non-healing sores.
How Zhen Zhu Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Zhen Zhu is classified among the Mind-calming herbs. It appears in 1 classical formulas in our library.
Formulas containing Zhen Zhu are traditionally used for:
FeverHeadacheAnxiety RestlessnessPoor Sleep Quality
Classical Formulas Containing Zhen Zhu
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zhen Zhu? Are nacre and dragon bone the same?
Official Zhen Zhu (珍珠) is the pearl formed in bivalves such as Pinctada martensii, Hyriopsis cumingii or Cristaria plicata in response to stimulation. The pharmacopoeial name is Margarita. Pearl mother is the shell: sweet-salty and cold, calms the Liver, subdues yang, settles fright and brightens the eyes, decocted 10–25 g. Dragon bone is sweet-astringent and neutral: settles fright, calms the spirit, restrains and secures. Write Zhen Zhu. Use caution in Spleen-Stomach vacuity cold.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Zhen Zhu?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Zhen Zhu is sweet, salty and cold, enters the Heart and Liver channels, and acts to calm the spirit, settle fright, brighten the eyes, disperse nebula, resolve toxin and promote granulation. It is used for fright palpitations and insomnia, fright wind and epilepsy, clouded nebula of the eyes, and sores that fail to close. Sweet-salty and cold, it suits Heart-Liver heat with fright—not Spleen-Stomach vacuity cold, or absence of heat.
How do you choose pearl powder versus nacre? Can nacre replace it?
Pearl is mostly in pills or powders or external, with purer spirit-calming and eye-brightening force. Nacre can be decocted and leans to calming the Liver and subduing yang. It cannot replace pearl in pills by equal weight. Commercial pearl powder tea is not equal-weight pieces.
Learn More About Zhen Zhu
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Zhen Zhu.
Read the Zhen Zhu Guide →
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.
