Cod is a name used in traditional Chinese medicine. It refers to the meat of the cod (Gadus macrocephalus (Tilesius)), a member of the Gadidae family. It is found in the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea, and the northern part of the East China Sea. It has the therapeutic effects of promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, and relieving constipation. It is commonly used to treat fractures caused by falls or blows, traumatic bleeding, and constipation.
Cod
Cod is a name used in traditional Chinese medicine. It refers to the meat of the cod (Gadus macrocephalus (Tilesius)), a member of the Gadidae family. It is found in the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea, and the northern part of the East China Sea. It has the therapeutic effects of promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, and relieving constipation. It is commonly used to treat fractures caused by falls or blows, traumatic bleeding, and constipation.
Chinese Name : 鳕鱼
Aliases : Bighead carp, Bighead, Bighead fish, Bigmouth
Nature, Flavor & Meridian Tropism : Sweet in taste, neutral in nature. Enters the Liver and Large Intestine meridians
Benefits & Efficacy
Benefits
Promotes blood circulation, relieves pain, and relieves constipation.
Indications
Traumatic injuries, fractures, external bleeding, and constipation.
Usage and Dosage
Internal use: Boil and eat in moderation. External use: Grind into a powder, mix with water, and apply as a poultice.
Precautions
Consuming codfish together with cured pork can lead to the formation of nitrosamines—carcinogens—in the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with gout or high uric acid levels should avoid this food. Those with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold should not consume large amounts.
Pharmacological Actions
1. Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immune-boosting effects. 2. Prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. 3. Antibacterial and blood-sugar-lowering effects.
Relevant Discussions
*Chinese Animal Medicines*: “Promotes blood circulation, reduces swelling, and relieves pain. Treats contusions and fractures.”
Applications
Related Compatibility
1. To treat traumatic bleeding and blood stasis: Roast cod until dry, grind into powder, mix with water to form a paste, and apply to the affected area. (*Guide to the Nutrition and Medicinal Uses of Seafood*)
2. To treat constipation: Boil and eat cod. (*Guide to the Nutrition and Medicinal Uses of Seafood*)
Processing & Preparation
Harvesting & Processing
Can be caught year-round. After catching, remove the scales and internal organs, wash thoroughly, and use fresh or dry.
Crude Drug Identification
Botanical Information
Morphological Characteristics
The body is slightly laterally compressed, with the tail tapering gradually toward the rear. Body length is generally 20–30 cm, with larger specimens reaching 50–70 cm. The head is large, with a long, bluntly pointed snout. The eyes are large and positioned on the upper side of the head. The mouth is large and protractile; the upper jaw protrudes, extending posteriorly to a point just below the anterior edge of the pupil; the lower jaw is slightly shorter, with a barbelle located on the underside of its anterior end.Both jaws and the palatine bone bear rows of teeth; the teeth are conical, with the outer row being larger. The gill openings are wide, and the gill membrane is connected to the cheek. There are 6 gill rakers and 3+18 gill rake teeth. The body is covered with small, round scales; the anterior portion of the lateral line is high, gradually curving downward to a mid-lateral position. There are 150 lateral line scales.There are three dorsal fins, with 13–15, 16–20, and 15–21 fin rays, respectively; the base of the second dorsal fin is longer than those of the other two. The two anal fins have 17–22 and 16–20 fin rays, respectively, and are positioned opposite the second and third dorsal fins.The pectoral fins are short. The pelvic fins are throat-level. The posterior margin of the caudal fin is slightly concave. The dorsal surface of the body is grayish-brown, with numerous irregular brown and yellow markings; the fins are gray; the ventral surface is grayish-white.
Distribution Area
In China, it is found in the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea, and the northern part of the East China Sea.