Haliotis (Haliotis spp.)
Synopsis
Haliotis, commonly known as abalone, is a genus of marine mollusks found in coastal waters around the world, especially in the Pacific Ocean near Japan, China, New Zealand, South Africa, and California. The edible flesh of abalone is prized in culinary traditions, but in traditional medicine—especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—the focus is on the shell, known as Shi Jue Ming (石决明). The inner shell lining, or mother-of-pearl, is rich in calcium carbonate, trace minerals, and iridescent compounds, and is used for its cooling, sedative, and vision-supporting properties.
In TCM, Haliotis shell is used to calm Liver Yang, anchor the spirit (Shen), and clear heat from the Liver channel, making it beneficial in conditions like headaches, dizziness, eye strain, hypertension, and insomnia—especially when associated with Liver fire or internal wind. It is often included in formulas for eye disorders, such as blurred vision, dry or irritated eyes, and photophobia.
Crushed or powdered abalone shell is also used topically or in paste form to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and support skin regeneration, though this is less common in modern practice.
Historical Use
Haliotis has been used for thousands of years in East Asian medical systems, particularly in China, where it was featured in classical texts like the Shennong Bencao Jing. There, it was described as a cooling, calming agent that nourishes the Liver and anchors errant Yang energy. It was often combined with herbs like unicorn root (Gou Teng), chrysanthemum (Ju Hua), and rehmannia (Sheng Di Huang) in formulas for hypertension, eye problems, and agitation.
In Kampo medicine (Japan) and Korean traditional medicine, similar uses are found, particularly in relation to vision and calming the spirit.
The iridescent shell also held symbolic and spiritual significance, used in rituals and adornments by Indigenous cultures in the Americas and Oceania. Though not used medicinally in those traditions in the same way, its aesthetic and protective qualities were highly valued.
Today, Haliotis (abalone shell) is still used in classical Chinese herbal formulations, mainly in powdered form or as part of mineral-based calming blends, with an emphasis on its cooling, sedative, and vision-preserving effects. While not widely used in Western herbalism, it remains a staple in traditional East Asian apothecaries.
Uses: Health Conditions
Arthritis (Traditional)
Calcium Deficiency (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Muscle Tone (lack of) (Traditional)
Osteoporosis (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Scars / Scar Tissue (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
Body Systems
Eyes (Science)
Liver (Science)
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Science)
Sympathetic Nervous System (Science)
Ears (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)