What are the benefits and effects of oysters?
Oysters are rich in protein-bound zinc, making them an excellent food for zinc supplementation. They are also a commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herb, known for various therapeutic effects and benefits, such as calming the mind, subduing hyperactive liver yang, nourishing yin, softening hardness and dissipating nodules, astringing and consolidating body fluids, and neutralizing acid to relieve pain. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Calming the Mind: Oysters are rich in protein-bound zinc, an essential trace element required for normal nervous system function. Zinc helps maintain nerve transmission, stabilize mood, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. Therefore, in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), oysters are often used to help people relax, alleviate mental stress, and enhance sleep quality.
2. Subduing Yang and Nourishing Yin: In TCM theory, deficiency of yang and deficiency of yin are important constitutional imbalances. Oysters are believed to have the effect of subduing yang and nourishing yin, helping to balance the body's yin and yang energies. This may be beneficial in alleviating sexual dysfunction, menstrual disorders, and menopausal symptoms.
3. Softening Hardness and Dissipating Nodules: In traditional Chinese medicine, oysters possess the property of softening hardness and resolving masses. They can be used to treat certain lumps or swellings, such as breast cysts. Oysters help soften and reduce these nodules, thereby relieving discomfort.

4. Astringing and Consolidating: Oysters also have astringent properties, which help control excessive loss of bodily fluids. They can be used to treat conditions such as diarrhea and frequent urination by tightening tissues and reducing fluid leakage.
5. Neutralizing Acid and Relieving Pain: Oysters are considered effective in counteracting excess stomach acid, helping to alleviate gastric discomfort and pain. They are commonly used in treating gastrointestinal conditions such as gastritis and gastric ulcers.
Although oysters offer the aforementioned benefits and are typically used as a medicinal herb or as a dual-purpose food and medicine, their preparation and use should be based on individual conditions and carried out under medical guidance to fully realize their therapeutic potential.