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The wonders of Pearl Powder



Pearl is a valuable ingredient in Chinese medicine. It has the function of brightening eyes, curing skin disease, and fighting off diarrhea. Its elements are shell protein and non-organic elements mainly consisting of calcium. However, pearl powder is very difficult to absorb into the human body. It can result in severe poisoning if not dissolved and diluted completely. It is useful when the powder can dissolve in the solution keeping its effective elements.
Powdered Pearl- a beauty treasure of the orient. Pearl powder, taken internally, contains calcium carbonate which strenghten bones, muscles and nerves. It reduces skin blemishes and rebuilds your health. Use it as a cooling beverage, taken with water, tea or juice. Powdered pearl can also be applied to the face as a beauty mask for rejuvenation and flawless complexion.


Pearl powder is a finely milled powder made from freshwater pearls, which contains a number of amino acids and several minerals. It is considered by its proponents to help improve the appearance of the skin.
Long a favorite of Asian women. According to ancient Chinese history artistes in the Tang Dynasty began using Pearl Powder on their faces to protect and beautify their skin when applying stage makeup. During the Ching Dynasty Empress Dowager began taking Pearl Powder internally as well as applying it to her face.


Freshwater pearls have been collected for some 3,000 years by the Chinese, and not just for jewelry. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) employs the medicinal qualities of ingested powdered pearl to treat inflammatory illnesses including epilepsy, convulsions, hyperactivity, hypertension, insomnia and palpitations. Traditional Chinese medical doctors also suggest pearl to quiet nerves and improve vision.

According to ancient texts and records including the "Compendium of Materia Medica," up thru the current "Pharmacopoeia PRC edition" pearl has been used for medicinal purposes from China for over 2000 years. Pearl has a reputation of being a medicine for treating certain diseases as well as preserving a youthful appearance. The cosmetic grade pearl powder is mixed with the inner shell of the oyster as compared to the medicated grade which is made wholly from pearls.

TCM physicians believe the calcium and other valuable minerals and amino acids from pearl powder can also be absorbed through the skin. They have found pearl powder, applied externally, speeds the skin's natural metabolism to tone and rejuvenate complexion, heal blemishes, minimize large pores and reduce redness. A pearl facial pack is said to rejuvenate dry, dull skin. CiXi, the last Dowager Empress of China during the Qing Dynasty (1644­1911), preferred expensive powdered pearl face masks to maintain her complexion.

During Ming dynasty the famous doctor Li Shizhen put in his medical book, Classical Chinese Materia Medica, the use of pearl powder for skin health: "Spread on face, lubricate skin and give good complexion. Spread on hands and feet, smooth skin and relieve chaps. Remove face acnes. Decrease secretion."




To make a mask, you can mix one teaspoon pearl powder with enough olive oil to form a thin paste. Apply to clean, dry skin; then, after 10 minutes rinse off with warm water. Another option is a mix of pearl powder and milk and beaten egg, believed to have anti-aging effects. This pearl powder can also be used on its own, applying it on the face before sleep and removing it the next day. In TCM terminology, pearl powder has cooling, disinfectant and balancing properties. It keeps the skin cool and moist.




Pearl has other interesting applications. In China, pearl powder is used to heal wounds because it is believed to have antiseptic properties. In the United States, surgeons frequently sprinkle a lower-grade pearl powder, called surgical pearl, into their latex gloves before operating. The soothing, antiseptic pearl powder absorbs excess moisture and may help prevent the spread of infection. Similarly, pearl powder sprinkled into shoes helps absorb odor and excess moisture. The peal has been used to treat ulcerous sores by sprinkling the sores with the powder. It enhances tissue growth and prevent infections.

Pearls are made of aragonite (CaCO3) and a small amount of conchiolin, an organic albuminoid substance. Oyster pearl powder and shell are both chemically the same and are good sources of calcium carbonate.


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