The source is from the dried whole body of Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L., Koch., family Scolopendrae. The insect is produced in all parts of China, and caught in spring, dried in the sun or dried after being scalded by boiled water. The crude or roasted one is used. Medicinal Properties Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, toxic and attributive to the liver meridian. Actions Stop endogenous wind to relieve convulsion, eliminate toxic materials and disperse lumps, and dredge meridian and alleviate pain. Application 1. It is used for acute and chronic convulsion and tetanus. Its action is similar to that of Quanxie (Scorpio), so the two medicines are often combined with each other to treat convulsion of hands and feet and opisthotonos. 2. It is used for pyocutaneous disease and ulcerative scrofula. It is combined with Xionghuang (Realgar) for external application to treat malignant sores; it is ground with tea leaf into fine powder for external application to treat scrofula and pyocutaneous disease. Besides, it is also used to treat poisonous snake bite. 3. In treating intractable spasm and pain of the head, and pain of Bi-syndrome due to wind and dampness, it is usually used together with Quanxie (Scorpio), Tianma ( Rhizome Gastrodiae ), Baijiangcan ( Bombyx Batryticatus) and Chuanxiong ( Rhizome Chuanxiong), etc.. Usage and Dosage 3 - 5 g is used in decoction; its powder of 0.6- 1 g is swallowed or applied externally with a proper amount of powder or oil mixture. Notes With its poisonous nature, the dosage adopted should be small, and contraindicated for the pregnant women.
