Pangolin Scales

Hey there! Today, we're diving into a fascinating ingredient from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) called Pangolin Scales, or "Chuan Shan Jia" in Chinese. This isn't just a random scale; it's got a rich history in TCM, known for its unique properties and how it’s believed to help the body. Let's break down what makes it tick.

Pangolin Scales Traditional Chinese Medicine

Other Names: You might hear it called Ling Li Jia, Zan Li Jia, Ling Li Jiao, Chuan Shan Jia, Bie Li Jia, Shan Jia, Jia Pian, Qi Lin Pian, Lin Pian, Sui Jian Pian, Shan Jia Pian, or Qian Li Jia. Quite a few aliases for one unique item!

Nature and Flavor: In TCM, Pangolin Scales are considered salty in taste and slightly cool in nature. This balance helps guide its therapeutic actions within the body.

Meridian Tropism: This herb is believed to primarily act upon the Liver and Stomach meridians. In TCM, meridians are pathways through which vital energy (Qi) and blood circulate, influencing the function of various organs and body parts.

Medicinal Part: The therapeutic part of this animal is specifically the scales of the pangolin, scientifically known as Manis pentadactyla (or Manis javanica, depending on the species traditionally used).

Appearance and Characteristics: Pangolin scales typically come in various flattened or semi-folded shapesβ€”think fan-like, triangular, rhomboid, or shield-like. They vary in size, usually ranging from about 0.5 to 5 cm in length and width. They're generally thicker in the middle and thinner towards the edges. On the dorsal side, they are dark brown or yellowish-brown with a subtle sheen, while the ventral side is lighter in color. You'll often notice a distinct, arched transverse ridge across the middle, with several fine lines running parallel to it underneath. These scales are horny, slightly translucent, tough yet elastic, and generally not easy to break. They have a slightly fishy odor and a faintly salty taste. The best quality scales are uniform in size, have a bluish-black hue, lack a strong fishy smell, and are free from any attached skin or flesh.

How Pangolin Scales are Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Pangolin Scales are versatile in their application, whether taken internally or used externally.

Internal Use: For internal use, they are typically prepared as a decoction, with a usual dosage of 5 to 9 grams. They can also be ground into a powder and taken as a medicinal powder (散剂).

External Use: When applied externally, the scales are usually finely ground into a powder and either sprinkled directly onto the affected area or mixed with a medium (like water or oil) to form a paste for topical application.

Preparation Method (Pao Zhi): To prepare Pangolin Scales for medicinal use, the cleaned scales are sorted by size. Sand is then heated in a wok until it becomes light and easy to stir. The sorted scales are added to the hot sand and stir-fried until they puff up and turn a golden-yellow color. After cooking, they are removed, sifted to remove the sand, and allowed to cool. This process is believed to alter their properties, making them more suitable for specific therapeutic actions.

Benefits and Main Applications of Pangolin Scales

In TCM, Pangolin Scales are valued for their diverse therapeutic effects:

Key Benefits: They are traditionally used to unblock menstruation and promote lactation, resolve blood stasis and dissolve lumps, reduce swelling, and facilitate the drainage of pus. When applied externally, they can also help stop bleeding.

Main Applications: This herb is commonly used for conditions such as amenorrhea (absent menstruation), insufficient lactation (low milk supply), abdominal masses or palpable lumps (η™₯η˜•η—žε—), scrofula (lymph node swelling, often in the neck, associated with tuberculosis or other chronic infections), carbuncles and various other swollen, painful skin lesions (η—ˆη–½θ‚Ώζ―’), rheumatic pain (ι£ŽζΉΏη—Ήη—›), and stiffness or contracture of the limbs.

Historically, TCM has looked to various substances to address conditions involving blockages or masses in the body, which aligns with the traditional uses of Pangolin Scales (PMID: 21976939).

Important Precautions and Contraindications

As with all powerful traditional medicines, there are specific situations where Pangolin Scales should not be used. It's crucial to pay attention to these warnings for safe practice.

Contraindications: Pangolin Scales are traditionally contraindicated for individuals with significant vital energy (Qi) and blood deficiency, those whose carbuncles or boils have already ulcerated (meaning they have opened and are discharging), and absolutely for pregnant women. This is a strong safety warning you should always heed.

Traditional Formulas Involving Pangolin Scales

Pangolin Scales are often combined with other herbs to create specific formulas for various conditions:

  1. For early-stage carbuncles without a clear head: Pangolin Scales and Gleditsia Sinensis (pig's tooth soapbean, skin and fibers removed), each one ounce. Both are charred until yellowish, then ground into a powder. For each dose, one Qian (approx. 3-4g) is mixed with warm wine and taken. If the carbuncle breaks, use winter melon vine powder topically; if the wound dries, mix with water for application. Suitable for various boils and sores. (From Xiao'er Weisheng Zongwei Lun Fang)
  2. For initial stage swelling and toxicity: Two ounces of Pangolin Scales, charred after being inserted into hot rice husks, then ground into a powder. Add a small amount of Musk. Take two and a half Qian (approx. 8-9g) per dose with warm wine. (From Renzhai Zhizhi Fang)
  3. For carbuncles, dispelling toxins, promoting pus discharge, and resolving deep-seated toxins in organs, alleviating pain and internal resolution: One ounce of Wasp Nest, one Fen (approx. 0.3-0.4g) each of Pangolin Scales, Snake Slough, and Hair (all burnt to retain some properties). Grind all into a powder. Take two Qian (approx. 6-8g) per dose, with half a Qian of Frankincense powder, mixed with warm wine. (From Puji Fang – Chuan Shan Jia San)
  4. For severe, unbearable breast pain due to blocked lactation: Pangolin Scales (charred yellow) and Akebia Caulis, each one ounce; Raw Pyrite, half an ounce. All three are pounded and sieved into a powder. Take two Qian (approx. 6-8g) per dose with warm wine, regardless of time. (From Bencao Tujing). Many TCM approaches focus on improving circulation to address lactation issues (PMID: 32360875).
  5. For insufficient lactation: Pangolin Scales are charred, ground into a powder, and taken with wine. One Fang Cun Bi (approx. 3-4g) twice daily. (From Dan Xiang – Yong Quan San)
  6. For anal/genital sores or carbuncles (biandu benyong): Half an ounce of Pangolin Scales and two Qian of Polyporus. Both are stir-fried with vinegar and ground into a powder. Take two Qian with wine. Externally, mix Pangolin Scales powder with sesame oil and calomel for topical application. (From Renzhai Zhizhi Fang)
  7. For otorrhea (ear discharge) with pus: Pangolin Scales are burned to retain their properties, and a small amount of Musk is added, then blown into the ear. (From Bao Shi Xiao'er Fang)
  8. For ulcerated scrofula: Twenty-one pieces of Pangolin Scales are burned, ground, and applied topically. (From Yao Seng Tan Ji Yan Fang)
  9. For ant-like fistulas with many small holes: Charred Pangolin Scales are mixed with lard and applied topically. (From Bu Que Zhou Hou Fang)
  10. For hemorrhoids with pus and blood: One ounce of Pangolin Scales (charred to retain properties) and three Nutmeg kernels. Grind together into a powder. Take two Qian with rice soup. For severe cases, add one ounce of Hedgehog Skin (charred). Stop when symptoms improve, no need to finish the full dose. (From Bencao Yan Yi)
  11. For throat lichen/sore: Five Fen (approx. 1.5-2g) of Pangolin Scales (charred), one charred White Frosted Plum, five Fen of Realgar, and one Qian of calcined Alum. Grind all into a powder. Blow into the throat. (From Yang Ke Yi Bian – Chuan Shan Jia San)
  12. For stroke with hemiplegia (paralysis of hands and feet): Pangolin Scales, Red Sea Clam (like a Go piece), and raw Aconite, each two ounces. Grind into a powder. For each use, take half an ounce, mix with crushed green onion juice to form a thick cake about 1.5 inches in diameter. Apply to the center of the foot on the affected side, wrap tightly with old cloth. Sit on a chair in a windless, secluded room. Place a basin of hot water in front of the chair and immerse the foot with the applied medicine. As soon as sweating begins, remove the medicine immediately. It's best if sweating occurs widely, with numbness throughout the body. Strictly avoid wind. Your hands and feet should naturally recover. If symptoms persist, repeat the method after half a month or twenty days. Also take other wind-dispelling and nourishing medicines. Avoid sexual activity and take care of yourself. (From San Yin Fang – Chen Tong Gao). Many TCM treatments for stroke focus on invigorating blood and dispelling wind (PMID: 24855529).
  13. For malaria with only fever and no chills: One ounce of Pangolin Scales and ten dried dates. Burn together to retain properties, then grind into a fine powder. Take two Qian per dose with well water before sunrise on the day the fever is expected. (From Yang Shi Jia Zang Fang)
  14. For dysentery with tenesmus (recurrent urge to defecate with straining): Pangolin Scales and good clam shell powder, equal parts. Grind into a fine powder. Take one Qian per dose with good wine on an empty stomach. (From Puji Fang)
  15. For hernia with bladder pain: Three Qian of Pangolin Scales (stir-fried) and two Qian of Fennel seeds. Grind into a fine powder. Take two Qian per dose, washed down with boiling water or wine. (From Diannan Bencao)
  16. For women's vaginal prolapse, hard like an egg: Five Qian of Pangolin Scales. Stir-fry with sand until charred yellow and grind into a powder. Take two Qian per dose with wine. (From Zhai Yuan Fang)
  17. For smallpox lesions turning black: Pangolin Scales and clam shell powder, stir-fried. Grind into a powder. Take five Fen per dose, add a small amount of Musk, and take with warm wine. This is said to restore a red color to the lesions. (From Renzhai Zhizhi Fang)

    18. Quick Self-Check & Self-Care!

    Ever feel a persistent dull ache in your abdomen or notice issues with blood circulation that feel "stuck"? Take 3 seconds to think about it.

    • If you often experience menstrual irregularities or feel a general sluggishness in your body's flow, then focusing on promoting circulation and clearing pathways might be beneficial.
    • Immediately consider gentle exercises like brisk walking or cycling to boost your overall circulation, and explore warm herbal teas (like ginger or cinnamon tea) to promote internal warmth, which TCM often links to smooth flow. Remember, these are general tips, not a substitute for professional advice!

    For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.

    References

    Understanding TCM's approach to conditions like menstrual irregularities and lactation can provide context for the historical uses of ingredients like Pangolin Scales. PMID: 24855529 PMID: 32360875 PMID: 21976939