Hai Piao Xiao Powder (Sepia esculenta Cuttlebone) — Dried TCM Herb, 500g

Hai Piao Xiao (海螵蛸), botanically known as the dried internal shell of Sepia esculenta and related cuttlefish species, is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) ingredient also called Wū Zéi Gǔ (乌贼骨) or cuttlebone. For centuries it has been prized as an astringent, securing, and stomach-harmonizing herb, traditionally used to restrain excess discharge, calm gastric upset, and support the binding of tissues. Its nature is salty, astringent, and slightly warm, making it a focused yet gentle mineral-herb for anchoring and consolidating.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional astringent TCM herb (Hai Piao Xiao)
• Dried cuttlebone from Sepia esculenta
• Naturally sun-dried, no additives
• 500g bulk powder, freshly milled
• Origin: Fujian, China

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is naturally sun-dried to preserve its chalky white to pale ivory color, light porous texture, and faint marine mineral aroma. When milled, it becomes a fine, smooth powder that disperses easily in water. In decoction or powder form, it carries a mild salty-mineral taste with a subtle oceanic note, characteristic of quality cuttlebone.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Traditional herbal decoctions and formulas
• Powdered herbal blends for daily wellness
• Medicinal food soups and congee
• External herbal applications (topical use)
• Bulk ingredient for herbal preparation

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Hai Piao Xiao is decocted into soups and congee, or ground into powder and taken with warm water as part of daily wellness routines. It is a common ingredient in traditional formulas addressing stomach comfort and astringent needs, often paired with herbs like Bai Ji, Duan Long Gu, or Mu Li. As a topical, it has been used in traditional preparations for external application. In coastal regions, it is also added to medicinal food soups for its mineral-rich, grounding character.

FAQ Q&A