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Starfish, Hai Xing 海星

Hai Xing (TCM)
Above 2 different types of Starfish available at the Chengdu Market;
Left: Craspidaster hesperus; Right: Asterias amurensis (Adam, 2016, 2017)

Zoological name:
Asterias spp. and others.
Those used in TCM include Asterias amurensis and Craspidaster hesperus

Parts used:
Whole dried Starfish

Temperature & Taste:
Neutral, Sweet, Salty. Slightly Toxic

Uses:
1. Clears Phlegm, Resolves Lumps:
-Scrofula, Goiter (TCM, West)
-Breast lumps and pain from obstructed Milk
-sometimes ashed in the West for this purpose

2. Clears Stomach Heat:
-Diarrhea, Stomach Pain, Gastric Ulcer, Hyperacidity

3. Strengthens the Kidneys:
-Lower Back Pain, nocturnal urination
-Impotence

4. Clears Phlegm, Settles Wind:
-Epilepsy in TCM

5. Externally:
-boiled in Sesame oil and applied to Otitis Media (good results)


DOSE:
Craspidaster hesperus: 10–30 grams in Decoction (often with Pork); 2–3 grams in Powder (rarely);
Asterias amurensis: 5–10 grams in decoction.
The ash was used in the West.

Main Combinations:
1. For Scrofula, Goiter:
i. Pumice, Cuttlefish bone, Sponge, Star Fish, equal parts. Burn to ashes (Pharmacopoeia Sardoa, 1773)
ii. Star Fish, Kelp, Self Heal
2. Kidney weakness with Impotence, Star Fish, Cistanches Rou Cong Rong, Cinnamon

Major Formulas:


Cautions:
None noted
Some species are poison.

Main Preparations used: