Ma Bao (Horse Bezoar) (Whorled pattern) (Spherical, smooth and lustrous, concentric layers)
Ma Bao (Horse Bezoar) (Tin foil burn powder, rapid aggregation, horse manure odor)
【Name】
【Source】
Compendium of Materia Medica
【Frequency of Use】
F
【Origin】
It is a calculus formed in the gastrointestinal tract of the equine animal Equus caballus (L.).
【Characteristics】
It is spherical, oval, or flattened-round, and varies in size. Generally, the diameter is about 6-20cm, and the weight is 250-2500 grams, but some are as small as beans. The surface is egg-white, grayish-white to oily brown, smooth and lustrous, or with messy fine grass patterns, and some are uneven. It is hard and heavy in texture, as hard as stone. The cross-section is grayish-white and has concentric layers, commonly known as whorled patterns. Each layer is 0.3-1cm thick, and there are many grayish-black fine lines, rough and uneven, with a slight glassy luster. Its powder can show the fibers of broken grass under a microscope. It has a faint and odorless smell, and can be chewed into fine powder.
【Identification】
The best ones are large, heavy, solid, grayish-white, smooth, and have clear and layered concentric layers when cut open.
Identification method: Take a small amount of fine powder of Ma Bao (Horse Bezoar), spread it on tin foil, heat it from below with fire, and the powder will quickly gather in one place and emit the odor of horse urine. If there is no such phenomenon, it is not a real Ma Bao (Horse Bezoar).
【Identification Terminology】
Whorled pattern: The cross-section of Ma Bao (Horse Bezoar) is grayish-white and has concentric layers.
【Section】
Vertebrate Category