Use of Zhen Zhu (pearls ) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Take the pearl and smash it into power.
Dosage: 0.3 - 0.9 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Calm the spirit and brighten the eyes.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Zhen Zhu may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Dizziness Headache Impaired vision Palpitations Tinnitus Insomnia
Contraindications*: Not for Cold conditions.
Key TCM concepts behind Zhen Zhu's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Zhen Zhu belongs to the 'Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit' category. These herbs are substances that tranquilize the Mind and treat symptoms such as restlessness, palpitations, anxiety or insomnia. They tend to have sedative properties by tonifying Heart Yin and Blood as in TCM it is believed that the Heart is the store of the Mind.
Furthermore Zhen Zhu is Cold in nature. This means that Zhen Zhu typically helps people who have too much 'Heat' in their body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Zhen Zhu can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Zhen Zhu also tastes Salty and Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Salty ingredients like Zhen Zhu tends to have a draining effect in the body because they clear accumulations, remove Phlegm and soften hard lumps. On the other hand Sweet ingredients tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Zhen Zhu is thought to target the Heart and the Liver. In addition to regulating Blood flow, in TCM the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.
Research on Zhen Zhu
Calcium supplementation with calcium carbonate is a simple and effective treatment in premenstrual syndrome, resulting in a major reduction in overall luteal phase symptoms.1
Calcium carbonate is an effective phosphate binder in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic renal failure.2
Sources:
1. Susan Thys-Jacobs, Paul Starkey, Debra Bernstein, Jason Tian (1998). Calcium carbonate and the premenstrual syndrome: Effects on premenstrual and menstrual symptoms. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Volume 179, Issue 2, Pages 444-452. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9378(98)70377-1.
2. Slatopolsky E., Weerts C., Lopez-Hilker S. et al. (1986). Calcium Carbonate as a Phosphate Binder in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Dialysis. New England Journal of Medicine, 315(3):157-161. DOI: 10.1056/NEJM198607173150304