Scorpion is also known asWhole ScorpionIt is the dried body of the Buthus martensii Karsch, a species of the Buthidae family. If only its tail is used, it is calledScorpion TailNowadays, they are mostly artificially bred. When they reach maturity, they are immersed in boiling water to kill them, then dried for medicinal use. There are two types: clear water scorpions and salt water scorpions.
I. Scorpion's Efficacy:
Scorpion tastes pungent, neutral; toxic. It enters the liver meridian. Its effects canCalming Wind to Stop Convulsions, Detoxifying and Resolving Masses, Unblocking Collaterals to Relieve PainIt is known for its swift and penetrating nature, using toxicity to counteract toxicity, and is most commonly paired with centipedes in synergistic combinations, earning it the title of "essential medicine for external wind invading internally."
Commonly used inInternal stirring of liver wind, spasm and convulsion, infantile convulsion, deviation of the mouth in stroke, hemiplegia, tetanus, stubborn wind-dampness impediment, migraine and headache, sores and scrofulatreatment of conditions such as
Summary of Famous Works by Renowned Authors:
"Kaibao Materia Medica": "Treats various wind-induced rashes and hemiplegia due to stroke, facial deviation, speech impediment, and convulsions of hands and feet."
Jade Carving Medical Explanation: "Penetrating tendons and bones, dispelling dampness and expelling wind. Treats windstroke with facial deviation and paralysis, infantile convulsions, and various conditions of leukorrhea in women."
"Compendium of Materia Medica": "Treats various wind syndromes with dizziness and shaking, convulsions and spasms, facial deviation, malaria and wind sores, deafness and hernia, diseases of the Jueyin wind wood."
II. Compatibility and Application of Scorpio:
1. Used for acute and chronic convulsions, facial paralysis due to stroke, tetanus, and other conditions involving spasms and convulsions. Scorpion is particularly effective in calming wind and stopping convulsions, often used in combination with centipede, both ground into powder and taken together, namelyZhi Jing San。
Scorpion and centipede used together is also calledPowder of Scolopendra and ScorpionThe combination of the two drugs complements each other, significantly enhancing the effect of calming wind and relieving convulsions. It is widely used for stroke and its sequelae, epilepsy, tetanus, infantile convulsions, stubborn migraines and headaches, stubborn angina pectoris, rheumatic pain, severe pain caused by various cancers, sores, ulcers, swellings, and scrofula, among other conditions. It can be said that in clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, it is a commonly used medication for treating many difficult and complicated diseases as well as critical and severe conditions. It also serves as a classic example of using toxins to combat toxins in traditional Chinese medicine and must be mastered with emphasis.
For treating acute convulsions and spasms in children, it is often combined with Gastrodia elata, Uncaria rhynchophylla, and goat horn; for treating chronic convulsions due to spleen deficiency, it is often combined with Codonopsis pilosula, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Gastrodia elata.
If treating wind stroke with deviation of the mouth and eyes, facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia, migraine, etc., which are attributed to wind-phlegm obstructing the collaterals, it is often combined with white aconite and white silkworm, ground into powder in equal parts, and taken with yellow wine.Qianzheng PowderThis formula can also be applied externally.
For treating tetanus, trigeminal neuralgia, vascular headache, Tourette syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions, scorpion tail is often combined with Arisaema, cicada slough, Gastrodia elata, and silkworm, namelyFive Tiger Chasing Wind Powder。
Zhang Xichun said Scorpion is good at entering the liver meridian and can dispel wind and induce sweating It treats convulsions and spasms facial paralysis due to stroke or general numbness Although it is toxic it is also effective in detoxifying and eliminating all kinds of sores and ulcers When used together with centipede their effects complement each other
2. For sores, ulcers, swellings, toxins, scrofula, tuberculosis, tumors, and other syndromes. Scorpion can both detoxify and disperse nodules, as well as unblock collaterals and relieve pain, making it a commonly used medicine in traditional Chinese surgery. To treat various sores and swellings with toxins, one can fry scorpion with gardenia in sesame oil, add yellow wax to make an ointment, and apply it to the affected area, which has the effect of drawing out toxins and detoxifying.
Zhu Liangchun once treated a patient with bone tuberculosis by using ground whole scorpion powder continuously for two years, resulting in a cure without any discomfort. However, for those with a weak constitution, it is advisable to combine it with tonics that replenish qi and blood for safety.
If treating pulmonary tuberculosis with cavities that has been long-standing and difficult to cure, one can use roasted whole scorpion combined with roasted centipede, bletilla striata, ground beetle, dried human placenta, licorice root, etc., grind them into powder and take orallyAnti-Tuberculosis Powder。
3. For intractable headache, rheumatic arthralgia, cancer pain, and other syndromes. Scorpion is effective in unblocking collaterals and relieving pain, and its efficacy is enhanced when combined with centipede.
For treating headaches caused by hypertension and arteriosclerosis, it is often combined with Uncaria and Korean ginseng, which can be taken as a powder.
For the treatment of intractable migraine, it can be combined with Gastrodia elata and human placenta, namelyScorpion and Hemp Powder。
For treating stubborn headaches caused by various reasons, it is often combined with Uncaria, Earthworm, Silkworm, Safflower, White Peony Root, Licorice, etc. Adjustments are made based on clinical symptoms, and the therapeutic effect is significant, namelyQuan Xie Gou Teng Tang。
For the treatment of lymph node tuberculosis, cancer pain, and various pains, it can be combined with centipede, silkworm, and Qishe in equal amounts, ground into powder and taken orally, which has the effect of relieving pain and reducing swelling.
Medical theory states: "All insect-based medicines possess strong dispersing and penetrating properties, excelling at entering the collaterals, searching for and expelling pathogenic factors from the network vessels. Those without blood affinity move through the qi, while those with blood affinity move through the blood. They are agile and swift, adept at clearing and removing turbid stasis from the collaterals, preventing blood from congealing and allowing qi to flow freely. This ensures the collaterals remain unobstructed, expelling pathogenic factors without harming the healthy qi."
III. Usage and Dosage of Scorpion:
Scorpio can be used in decoctions, but it is more suitable to be ground into powder and taken with water. For decoctions, a few grams are commonly used, and it should not be overdosed; for oral administration of powder, a little over one gram per dose is appropriate. For external use, apply an appropriate amount.
For medicinal purposes, it is best to use clear water scorpions; saltwater scorpions contain many impurities and, despite their low price, are not suitable for use.
Wang Ang said: "Use the whole scorpion after removing its legs and roasting it, or use its tail, as the tail is particularly potent. Those that are compact and small in shape are of good quality. For those who are stung, applying snail mucus will relieve the symptoms."
IV. Application Precautions for Scorpion:
Scorpion is toxic, thereforeThe dosage should not be excessive. It is contraindicated for those with wind generated from blood deficiency and pregnant women.。
Ben Cao Jing Shu: "Resembling wind stroke and pediatric chronic spleen wind, the disease belongs to deficiency, and it is contraindicated by all methods."
"Baoding Compendium of Materia Medica": Stomach cold water. The tip of the scorpion's tail has a hook-like sting, which is highly toxic and should be removed.
