Pinyin: Chuanshanjia
Aliases
Linglijiao, Chuanshanjia, Bielijia, Shanjia, Shanjiapian.
Source
Manis pentadactyla Linnaeus, a mammal of the family Manidae.Manis pentadactylaLinnaeus' scales.
Distribution
Mainly distributed in Guangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangdong, Hunan, Zhejiang, Fujian, Taiwan, and other regions.
Harvesting and Processing
Collect the scales, wash clean, and sun-dry.
Medicinal Properties
This product appears as fan-shaped, triangular, rhombic, or shield-shaped flat pieces or semi-folded slices, thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges. Sizes vary, with length and width each measuring 0.7-5 cm. The outer surface is blackish-brown or yellowish-brown, glossy, with dozens of neatly arranged longitudinal striations and several transverse lines at the wide end; the narrow end is smoother, the inner surface is lighter in color, with a distinctly protruding arched transverse ridge in the middle, below which are several fine lines parallel to the ridge. It is horny, translucent, tough yet elastic, and not easily broken. Odor: slightly fishy; Taste: bland.
Chemical Constituents
Contains stearic acid, cholesterol, and various amino acids as well as inorganic elements. It also contains volatile oil and water-soluble alkaloids, among other components.
Pharmacology
Increases peripheral blood flow, dilates blood vessels, reduces peripheral resistance, and exhibits anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects, while enhancing tolerance to hypoxia.
Properties and Channel Entry
Salty, slightly cold. Enters the Liver and Stomach channels.
Functions and Indications
Activates blood circulation and disperses masses, promotes menstruation and stimulates lactation, reduces swelling and expels pus, expels Wind and unblocks collaterals. Used for amenorrhea and abdominal masses, blocked lactation, abscesses and sores, Wind-Damp Bi pain, stroke-induced paralysis, numbness and contractures.
Dosage and Administration
Oral: Decoction, 3-9 g. Or used in powder form. External: Appropriate amount, ground into powder and sprinkle or mix for application.
Prescriptions
1. For unbearable pain from mastitis (breast feeding pain): *Chuanshanjia* (roasted yellow) and *Mutong* 30 g each, *Zirantong* (raw) 15 g. Grind the three ingredients into a powder, take 6 g per dose, mix with warm wine and swallow, regardless of time. (From *Bencao Tujing*) 2. For ant-nest-like sores with many small openings: Burn *Linglijia* (pangolin scales), mix with lard, and apply topically. (From *Zhouhou Fang*) 3. For venomous snake bites: *Chuanshanjia* (processed) and *Guangmuxiang* 4.5 g each. Grind into fine powder, mix with hot wine and swallow. (From *Yangyi Daquan*) 4. For dysentery with tenesmus: *Chuanshanjia* and fine clam shell powder in equal parts. Grind into fine powder, take 3 g per dose, mix with good wine on an empty stomach. (From *Puji Fang*) 5. For blocked lactation: Grind *Chuanshanjia* (processed) into powder. Take one *fangcunbi* (approximately 1-2 g) with wine, twice daily. Externally, comb the breasts with an oiled comb to promote milk flow. (From *Danxiang Fang*, Yongquan San)
