Crab Claw Decoction，Formula from *Qianjin* (Vol. 2); name cited in *Shengji Zonglu* (Vol. 159).，For threatened miscarriage and difficult labor; fetal death in utero; and in cases of twin pregnancies where one fetus has died and the other is alive—this formula helps expel the dead fetus and ensure the safety of the living one.
Crab Claw Decoction
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All references in this article to TCM syndrome differentiation, herbal medicines, teas, and decoctions are intended to promote TCM culture and are provided solely for educational and reference purposes.
Formulas Name : Crab Claw Decoction
Chinese Name : 蟹爪饮
Drug Formulation
1 sheng of crab claws, 2 chi of licorice, and 3 liang of donkey-hide gelatin.
Source
Formula from *Qianjin* (Vol. 2); name cited in *Shengji Zonglu* (Vol. 159).
Benefits
For threatened miscarriage and difficult labor; fetal death in utero; and in cases of twin pregnancies where one fetus has died and the other is alive—this formula helps expel the dead fetus and ensure the safety of the living one.
Instructions for Use
Boil the first two ingredients in 1 dou of east-flowing water until reduced to 3 sheng; strain out the dregs, add the donkey-hide gelatin, and melt it while cold; take the entire dose at once. If unable to do so, divide it into two doses. If the patient is unconscious, pry open the mouth to administer the medicine; once the medicine enters, the patient will revive. Prepare the decoction on an east-facing stove using reed firewood.
Copyright: Excerpt from Formula from *Qianjin* (Vol. 2); name cited in *Shengji Zonglu* (Vol. 159)., Copyright belongs to the Original Author and all original sources, This article was shared by DeDe on August 31, 2026, Please credit the source and include a link to the original article when reposting.
Terminology Proofreading: [Cheng Bo] | August 31, 2026 Reviewed by: [Wang Zhongxiang, Associate Chief TCM Physician (China)] | August 31, 2026
Correct Content Errors: Errors may occur during the writing, editing, translation, and publication of website content. If you find any errors or inaccurate information in this article, please feel free to Contact Us to report them, and we will correct them promptly.
FDA Disclaimer: The descriptions of the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicines, herbal teas, decoctions, and formulas, as well as the content on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic theory and traditional TCM therapies contained on this site, are intended solely for the purpose of popularizing TCM culture and serving as an educational reference; they do not constitute medical diagnosis or treatment advice. Please do not attempt to use these products on your own without proper guidance. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are experiencing any physical discomfort, please consult a licensed healthcare professional and seek treatment at a reputable medical institution. This platform assumes no responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of herbs or formulas by any individual based on the information provided on this site. Please read Medical Disclaimer.
Crab Claw Decoction,For threatened miscarriage and difficult labor; fetal death in utero; and in cases of twin pregnancies where one fetus has died and the other is alive—this formula helps expel the dead fetus and ensure the safety of the living one.