Source
Sea Horse is the whole body of Hippocampus kelloggi Jordan et Snyder and several species of the same genus, (Fam. Syngnathidae).
Producing Areas
Guangdong, Shandong, Liaoning, Fujian, etc.
Properties
Sweet, Warm
Channels
Kidney Liver
Action
-Invigorates the kidney and strengthens yang
For abdominal mass, trauma, scrofula and goiter.
Usage and Dosage
3 – 9g is used in decoction for oral use, or ground powder for external use.
Notes
Contraindicated for pregnant women and those with hyperactive fire due to deficiency of yin.
Characteristics of Herb
Hippocampus Kelloggi Jordan et Snyder
The body of Xianwen Haima is flat and curved with corrugated pattern and short thorns, about 30cm long. The surface is yellowish white. Its head is slightly like horse head with crest-like bulge, tubular lips and deep eyes. There are 7 edges on its trunk and 4 edges on its tail which gradually becomes smaller and is curled. It is hard and light. The flavour is slightly salty, with slighty fishy smell.
Three-Spot Sea Horse
It is 10 – 18c, long with black spots on its back.
Big Sea Horse
Da Haima is 20 -30cm long, black in colour with small dark or silver-white spots on its head and body.
Thorny Sea Horse
Ci Haima is 15 – 20cm long, yellowish white with fine, sharp thorns on its head and upper body.
Small Sea Horse
Xiao Haima is 7 – 10cm long, black brown in colour.
Professional Advice
The common ways of adulteration are stuffing fish powder, paraffin wax and sand, etc. into the Haima’s barrel, pouch and spinal cord.
Storage
Keep in a cool and dry place with Chinese prickly ash in its container. Protect it from moths.
Description of Quality Herb
Good Haima is big in size, solid, light in weight, integrated in build, white in colour and clean.
ChengWoh.com a provider of chinese herbs since 1933. Visit their site for more information
