Source Sea Horse is the whole body ofHippocampus kelloggi Jordan et Snyder and several species of the same genus, (Fam. Syngnathidae).
Producing Areas Guangdong, Shandong, Liaoning, Fujian, etc.
Properties Sweet, Warm
Channels Kidney, Liver
Action
Invigorates the kidney and strengthens yang
For abdominal mass, trauma, scrofula and goiter.
Usage and Dosage
3 – 9g is used in decoction for oral use, or ground powder for external use.
Notes Contraindicated for pregnant women and those with hyperactive fire due to deficiency of yin.
The body of Xianwen Haima is flat and curved with corrugated pattern and short thorns, about 30cm long. The surface is yellowish white. Its head is slightly like horse head with crest-like bulge, tubular lips and deep eyes. There are 7 edges on its trunk and 4 edges on its tail which gradually becomes smaller and is curled. It is hard and light. The flavour is slightly salty, with slightly fishy smell.
It is 10 – 18cm long with 3 black spots on its back.
Da Haima is 20 – 30cm long, black in colour with small dark or silver-white spots on its head and body.
Ci Haima is 15 – 20cm long, yellowish white with fine, sharp thorns on its head and upper body.
Xiao Haima is 7 – 10cm long, black brown in colour.
Storage
Keep in a cool and dry place with Chinese prickly ash in its container. Protect it from moths.
Description of Quality Herb
Good Haima is big in size, solid, light in weight, integrated in build, white in colour and clean.
Professional Advice
The common ways of adulteration are stuffing fish powder, paraffin wax and sand, etc. into the Haima’s barrel, pouch and spinal cord.
Walnut Pork Soup with Dried Seahorse
Effects Nourishes the kidneys and promotes virility, eliminates cold and aches in the lower abdomen and knees, relieves lack of energy, loss of libido, impotence and premature ejaculation.
Ingredients
Walnuts 45g, dried sea horse 45g, lean pork 400g, red dates 4, fresh ginger 3 pieces.
Preparation
- Shell and peel the walnuts. Remove the pits of the dates, rinse and soak. Soak the dried sea horse in warm water. Rinse the lean meat but do not slice.
- Place all ingredients in a pot of water. Bring to a rolling boil, then simmer for 2 hours.
- Season to taste and serve.
Tips for a Healthy Life
Do not consume this dish when suffering from heaty cough with phlegm, or when overly heaty due to deficiency of yin.
Sea Horse and Millet Congee
Effects This dish is beneficial to women who experience difficulty in childbirth and suffer haemorrhage as a result. It helps to regulate menstruation and sedates the foetus.
Ingredients
Powdered dried sea horse 3g, millet in adequate amount, brown sugar to taste.
Preparation
- Cook millet congee as usual and add brown sugar when done.
- Mix the powdered sea horse with the congee and serve.