Mother of Pearl
Synopsis of Mother of Pearl
History
Mother of Pearl, also known as nacre, is the iridescent layer found inside some mollusk shells. Historically, it has held a cherished place in traditional medicine, particularly in Asian cultures such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. For centuries, powdered Mother of Pearl has been valued not only for its beauty but also for its reputed healing properties.
In TCM, Mother of Pearl—called "Zhen Zhu Mu"—has been used to calm the spirit, brighten the eyes, and alleviate anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations. It has also been employed in remedies for skin health, believed to promote a radiant complexion, reduce redness, and support wound healing due to its mineral-rich composition. The use of Mother of Pearl as a remedy for eye conditions, such as blurred vision and night blindness, is well-documented in ancient texts. In Ayurveda, nacre has been incorporated into formulas for enhancing vitality and soothing inflammation.
Mother of Pearl is often combined with other herbs and minerals to enhance its benefits. It is traditionally blended with calming botanicals like chrysanthemum and licorice root to amplify its soothing effects on the mind and body. In skin and beauty formulations, it is paired with pearl powder, ginseng, or aloe vera to further support skin rejuvenation and protection. Contemporary nutritional products continue to draw on this legacy, utilizing Mother of Pearl for its rich supply of calcium, trace minerals, and amino acids, all of which contribute positively to holistic well-being.
With its long-standing reputation for promoting tranquility, beauty, and balance, Mother of Pearl remains a treasured ingredient in both traditional and modern wellness practices.
Traditional and scientific validation
Mother of Pearl, also known as nacre, is the iridescent layer found inside mollusk shells and has been valued in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia, for centuries. Historically, it was used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to promote calmness, support eye health, and enhance skin appearance. The powdered form of Mother of Pearl has been incorporated into both topical and ingestible nutritional products, prized for its mineral content, including calcium, magnesium, and trace elements.
Scientific studies in recent years have begun to explore the potential health benefits of Mother of Pearl. Research indicates that nacre contains bioactive compounds, such as conchiolin proteins and polysaccharides, which may contribute to skin regeneration and wound healing. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest it can stimulate the proliferation of skin cells and enhance collagen synthesis, supporting its traditional use for skin health. Additionally, early clinical observations in bone health suggest that nacre-derived calcium may be more bioavailable than standard calcium supplements, potentially aiding in bone mineralization.
Despite promising preliminary findings, well-controlled human clinical trials remain limited. While there is supportive evidence for Mother of Pearl’s role in supporting skin and bone health, more rigorous research is needed to confirm its benefits and safety in nutritional applications. Nonetheless, its rich history and emerging scientific interest highlight Mother of Pearl’s potential as a valuable natural ingredient in health and wellness products.
Mother of Pearl is used for these health conditions
Calcium Deficiency (Traditional)
Heart (weakness) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Kidney Stones (Traditional)
Osteoporosis (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)