Starfish, Hai Xing 海星

Hai Xing (TCM)

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Above 2 different types of Starfish available at the Chengdu Market;
Left: Craspidaster hesperus; Right: Asterias amurensis (Adam, 2016, 2017)

Zoological name:

Asterias spp. and others.
Those available on the Chinese market include Asterias spp. (including A. pectinifera) and Craspidaster spp.

Parts used:

Whole dried Starfish

Temperature & Taste:

Neutral, Sweet, Salty. Slightly Toxic

Uses:

1. Clears Phlegm, Resolves Lumps:

-Scrofula, Goiter (TCM, West)
-Breast lumps and pain from obstructed Milk
-sometimes ashed in the West for this purpose
-also for Wind-Phlegm Epilepsy in TCM

2. Clears Stomach Heat:

-Stomach Pain, Gastric Ulcer, Hyperacidity
-Diarrhea

3. Strengthens the Kidneys, Benefits Yang:

-Lower Back Pain, nocturnal urination
-Impotence
-“They may also be added to medication serving to nourish one’s Yang”. (Li Shi Zhen) 

4. Externally:

-boiled in Sesame oil and applied to Otitis Media (good results)

Dose:

Craspidaster hesperus: 10–30 grams in Decoction (often with Pork); 2–3 grams in Powder (rarely);
Asterias amurensis: 5–10 grams in decoction.
The ash was also used in the West.

Main Combinations:

1. For Scrofula, Goiter:
i. Pumice, Cuttlefish bone, Sponge, Star Fish, equal parts. Burn to ashes (Pharmacopoeia Sardoa, 1773)
ii. Star Fish, Kelp, Self Heal
2. Kidney weakness with Impotence, Star Fish, Cistanches Rou Cong Rong, Cinnamon

Major Formulas:

Cautions:

None noted
Some species are poison.

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This Website is intended for the study of Traditional Medicine. Some of the information is Intended for Historical reference only and may be illegal or dangerous if used by unskilled hands. MedicineTraditions cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of the information contained herein, nor can it be held responsible for injury, sickness or death due to use or misuse of the information contained herein.

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