Which herb nourishes Yin, anchors Yang, and dissolves masses?

• A. Gui Ban
• B. Long Gu
• C. Bie Jia
• D. Shen Gu

Answer: (C)

Bie Jia is the one that fits all three actions: it nourishes Yin, anchors Yang, and dissolves masses. Its salty nature and cooling quality help nourish Yin while quieting floating or rebellious Yang, which is important when there are lumps or nodules tied to Yin deficiency and Yang rising. At the same time, Bie Jia has a specific use for dissolving masses such as goiters, nodules, or phlegm-stasis lumps, by dispersing accumulations within the body. The other shells shown here can nourish Yin and anchor Yang, but they’re not classically used to dissolve masses to the same extent. That direct “dissolve masses” property is a hallmark characteristic of Bie Jia, making it the best fit for this combination of actions.