Introduction
Cuttlefish bone is the internal calcareous shell or backbone-like structure of a marine animal. Over time, it develops its characteristic shape and becomes suitable for traditional medicinal use.
Temperament
Hot and dry, third degree.
Actions
Traditionally, cuttlefish bone is described as:
- Detergent (Jali) — cleansing and mildly exfoliating.
- Emmenagogue — traditionally used to promote menstruation.
Traditional Uses
Eye Care
Because of its traditionally described detergent properties, cuttlefish bone is finely ground and used either alone or combined with other ingredients in Surma (kohl) preparations.
Traditional texts describe its use for conditions such as:
- Corneal opacity
- Pterygium
- Corneal spots or blemishes
Dental Care
Finely powdered cuttlefish bone is traditionally added to tooth powders (Sunoon) to help clean and whiten the teeth.
Skin Care
It may be incorporated into Ubtan (body and facial cleansing preparations) and traditionally used to remove skin blemishes, including vitiligo, melasma, and discoloration.
Menstrual Uses
Traditional literature describes mixing the powdered material with aged jaggery and preparing it as a vaginal suppository (Farzarja) to induce menstruation.
This traditional practice should not be attempted, as vaginal insertion of unsterile or abrasive substances can cause injury, infection, and other complications.
Specific Benefit
Traditionally regarded as beneficial for clearing and brightening the vision.
