Overconsumption of Pearl Powder Causes Digestive Issues
A 46-year-old woman named Ms. Huang took an unauthorized brand of pearl powder in pursuit of eternal youth, resulting in severe adverse reactions. Dr. Du Wenmin from Shanghai’s Drug Adverse Reaction Center stated this morning that pearl powder is a cooling herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine and not suitable for everyone. Self-administering it without proper guidance won’t achieve anti-aging effects and may even pose health risks.
“Imperial Beauty Formula” Is Unreliable
Ms. Huang, a finance worker at a construction company in Shanghai, is 46 years old. After reading an article claiming Empress Dowager Cixi often consumed pearl powder for beauty, she immediately bought several boxes and took them daily. However, after half a month, she experienced indigestion, followed by persistent diarrhea. She began feeling cold in her limbs during spring and autumn, and her complexion turned sallow.
Last week, she contacted the “Dr. Du’s Letterbox” at Shanghai Municipal Drug Administration with her concerns. After investigation by Dr. Du Wenmin, it was confirmed that the pearl powder she used had no quality issues. The severe adverse reactions were due to her weak cold constitution.
Long-term Oral Use Has Side Effects
Associate Professor Zhu Jiong from the Department of Dermatology at Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine pointed out that 90% of pearls consist of calcium carbonate, along with various trace elements and amino acids, giving them pharmacological effects such as calming nerves, stopping bleeding, and whitening skin. However, because pearl powder is poorly absorbed and long-term oral use carries side effects, he does not recommend internal consumption of pure pearl powder in clinical practice.
If you want to use it for whitening and anti-aging, simply using pearl powder alone won’t yield good results. Pearls mainly act as a conduit, delivering nutrients into the body and expelling waste from the skin. Therefore, combining pearl powder with other medicinal cosmetic products is necessary to achieve effective results. Many ancient beauty formulas, such as those attributed to imperial concubines, lack scientific basis.
People with Cold Constitution Should Avoid Pearl Powder
Although pearl powder has various health benefits, many brands now market oral capsules containing pearl powder for beauty and wellness. Experts emphasize that not everyone should take pearl powder—those with cold constitutions, sensitive stomachs, or stone-forming conditions should avoid it. Taking it may easily lead to digestive problems. Since pearls are naturally cold in nature, they are most suitable for people with dry-heat constitutions.
Many pearl powder manufacturers claim their products are water-soluble, ultra-fine, and easily absorbable, some even promoting “nanotechnology.” Yet industry experts warn consumers against counterfeit or low-quality products, urging them to purchase only from reputable pharmacies and trusted brands.