Bei Chi (Cowrie Shell) (The periphery of the shell opening has numerous fine teeth, a beautiful luster, and small round spots.)

Zi Bei Chi (Purple Cowrie Shell)

【Name】

Zi Bei Chi (Purple Cowrie Shell)

 【Source】

Xin Xiu Ben Cao (Newly Revised Materia Medica)

 【Common Usage Level】

F

 【Botanical Origin】

The shells of Mauritia arabica (L.), Erosaria (Ravitrona)caputserpentis (L.), Cypraea lynx (L.) and other species of the Cypraeidae family.

 【Characteristics】

The whole shell is roughly oval, with a flat ventral surface. The front end is slightly wider, and both the front and rear ends are concave, forming a round opening. The periphery of the shell opening has numerous fine teeth. The shell surface is smooth and has a beautiful luster. It is purple, brown, or tan, with numerous alternating dark purple-brown and white markings or small round spots. It has a hard texture. It is odorless and has a bland taste.

It is oval, 3-7cm long, 1.5-4cm wide, and 1-2cm high. The back is raised, and the abdomen is flat with a groove in the middle. The edges of the groove curl inward and have serrations. Both ends are concave, forming a round opening, with the front end being wider. The surface is purple or brown, with alternating dark purple-brown and white markings or round spots, smooth and glossy; the inside is bluish-white. It has a hard texture and a bland taste.

 【Identification】

The best quality is purple, thick-shelled, complete, and clean.

 【Category】

Invertebrates