Natural Herb Library

Cuttlefish Bone, Cuttlebone

Chinese
乌贼骨
Pinyin
Wu Zei Gu
Latin
Ossa Sepiae
Scientific specimen plate of Cuttlefish Bone, Ossa Sepiae, showing prepared shell pieces, cut surfaces, powder, and diagnostic marine material details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Wu Zei Gu (乌贼骨), this salty and astringent, slightly warm herb enters the Kidney and Liver. Traditionally, it secures essence and stops chronic leakage - Wu Zei Gu is a classic astringent for spermatorrhea, excessive vaginal discharge, and lower-burner instability patterns, most often applied for acid reflux, gastric ulcer, and uterine bleeding. Modern research has identified Calcium among its active constituents.

Part used: Bone

Also Known As

Sepia

Latin: Ossa Sepiae | Pinyin: Wu Zei Gu | Chinese: 乌贼骨

TCM Properties

Taste
salty, astringent
Temperature
slightly warm
Channels
Kidney, Liver

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Secures essence and stops chronic leakage - Wu Zei Gu is a classic astringent for spermatorrhea, excessive vaginal discharge, and lower-burner instability patterns.
  • Stops bleeding while protecting tissue - the powdered shell is used internally for chronic bleeding patterns and externally for wounds, sores, and damp ulcerations.
  • Restrains acidity and relieves epigastric pain - like Hai Piao Xiao, this alternate-name record belongs to the cuttlebone tradition used for acid regurgitation and ulcer-type stomach discomfort.
  • Dries dampness and promotes healing externally - it can be applied to weeping lesions or traumatic bleeding where an absorbent, protective mineral powder is needed.

Secondary Actions

  • Wu Zei Gu and Hai Piao Xiao are usually the same medicated cuttlebone material, but this file preserves the alternate import name used in the source spreadsheet.
  • Modern dispensing often uses the shell as a powder for digestive acidity or external application rather than as a simple long-boiled decoction ingredient.

Classic Formulas

  • Wu Zei Gu with Qian Shi and Shan Zhu Yu - a traditional lower-burner astringent approach for chronic discharge and essence leakage.
  • Wu Zei Gu with Wa Leng Zi - a classic mineral pairing for acid regurgitation and gnawing epigastric discomfort.
  • Wu Zei Gu with Bai Ji in powders - a hemostatic and tissue-protective combination for ulcer bleeding and external sores.

Classical References

  • Traditional Chinese materia medica texts treat Wu Zei Gu as an alternate name for cuttlebone, emphasizing its ability to secure essence, stop bleeding, and restrain acidity.
  • The slightly warm, salty, astringent profile explains why it is used both for lower-burner leakage and for sour regurgitation with Stomach discomfort.
  • IMPORT NOTE: this file is intentionally distinct from herb #298 because the historical import kept both Hai Piao Xiao and Wu Zei Gu as separate records even though the medicinal identity substantially overlaps.

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Calcium carbonate and aragonite - the mineral framework underlying antacid and structural biomaterial effects
  • Chitin-associated shell fractions - relevant to wound-healing and hemostatic material research
  • Trace minerals and amino-acid residues - measured in Os Sepiae quality studies

Studied Effects

  • A rat study found that cuttlebone accelerated healing of indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions, matching the traditional use of Wu Zei Gu for acid injury and ulcer pain (PMID 33082835).
  • Marine biomaterial research has shown that cuttlebone can function as a calcium-rich scaffold for bone repair applications, which helps explain its long-standing tissue-supportive reputation (PMID 29616431).
  • A newer multifunctional hydrogel study used nano-cuttlebone to improve hemostatic and antibacterial wound care performance, giving a modern parallel to the shell's external bleeding and sore applications (PMID 40245568).

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Constipation from dryness without leakage or acidity patterns
  • Heat agitation without a clear astringent indication

Cautions

  • As a calcium-rich shell medicine, Wu Zei Gu can reduce absorption of certain medications if taken together.
  • Only properly cleaned medicinal shell should be used because crude marine material may contain contaminants or variable mineral quality.
  • This is an astringent mineral drug, not a routine calcium supplement.

Drug Interactions

  • Fluoroquinolone antibiotics - calcium-rich shell minerals can chelate the drug and reduce absorption; separate by several hours
  • Tetracycline antibiotics - concurrent mineral intake can lower antibiotic bioavailability; stagger dosing
  • Levothyroxine - calcium-containing minerals may impair thyroid hormone absorption; separate by at least 4 hours
  • Iron supplements - calcium can decrease iron absorption when taken together

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cuttlefish Bone, Cuttlebone used for?

Cuttlefish Bone, Cuttlebone is traditionally used to Secures essence and stops chronic leakage - Wu Zei Gu is a classic astringent for spermatorrhea, excessive vaginal discharge, and lower-burner instability patterns., Stops bleeding while protecting tissue - the powdered shell is used internally for chronic bleeding patterns and externally for wounds, sores, and damp ulcerations., Restrains acidity and relieves epigastric pain - like Hai Piao Xiao, this alternate-name record belongs to the cuttlebone tradition used for acid regurgitation and ulcer-type stomach discomfort., Dries dampness and promotes healing externally - it can be applied to weeping lesions or traumatic bleeding where an absorbent, protective mineral powder is needed.. Research has investigated its effects on: A rat study found that cuttlebone accelerated healing of indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal lesions, matching the traditional use of Wu Zei Gu for acid injury and ulcer pain (PMID 33082835).; Marine biomaterial research has shown that cuttlebone can function as a calcium-rich scaffold for bone repair applications, which helps explain its long-standing tissue-supportive reputation (PMID 29616431)..

What are other names for Cuttlefish Bone, Cuttlebone?

Cuttlefish Bone, Cuttlebone is also known as Sepia. In TCM: 乌贼骨 (Wu Zei Gu); Ossa Sepiae.

Is Cuttlefish Bone, Cuttlebone safe during pregnancy?

The safety of Cuttlefish Bone, Cuttlebone during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

What are the contraindications for Cuttlefish Bone, Cuttlebone?

Cuttlefish Bone, Cuttlebone should not be used in: Constipation from dryness without leakage or acidity patterns; Heat agitation without a clear astringent indication. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Does Cuttlefish Bone, Cuttlebone interact with any medications?

Cuttlefish Bone, Cuttlebone may interact with: Fluoroquinolone antibiotics - calcium-rich shell minerals can chelate the drug and reduce absorption; separate by several hours; Tetracycline antibiotics - concurrent mineral intake can lower antibiotic bioavailability; stagger dosing; Levothyroxine - calcium-containing minerals may impair thyroid hormone absorption; separate by at least 4 hours; Iron supplements - calcium can decrease iron absorption when taken together. Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.