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Cura x Cura

Di Long地龙

Pheretima · Earthworm · Pheretima

Herbs that Pacify the Liver and Extinguish Wind 平肝息风药《神农本草经》

Overview

The dried earthworm, salty and cold and unusually mobile for a heat-clearing substance. It settles convulsion driven by high fever, threads its way through obstructed channels to ease painful, stiff limbs, and calms wheezing when Lung heat is behind it. The dispensary also stocks Di Long, wine-fried, which is warmer, opens the collaterals more strongly, and is less fishy in taste.

Nature & Flavor

Salty · Cold

Channels

Liver · Spleen · Bladder

Typical Dosage

4.5–9 g in decoction
地龙Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

4 core actions

  • Clears heat and settles convulsionHigh fever with spasm and convulsion, agitation and mania of the heat type.
  • Frees the channels and collateralsWind-damp painful obstruction with joint stiffness, numbness, and post-stroke weakness or hemiplegia.
  • Calms wheezingWheezing and a tight chest when Lung heat obstructs the descent of qi.
  • Promotes urinationScanty, difficult urination and edema with heat in the lower burner.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Di Long

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • High fever with convulsion or spasm
    - Wind-damp joint pain, stiffness and numbness
    - Post-stroke hemiplegia and weakness
    - Wheezing from Lung heat; scanty urination with heat

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

AsthmaFebrile seizuresStroke rehabilitationArthritisHypertension

Contraindications

Cautions

An animal-derived medicine: people who have reacted to earthworm or other invertebrate protein should avoid it, and anyone who develops a rash, itching or breathing difficulty after taking it should stop and seek advice. It is also cold, so it does not suit deficiency-cold patterns without heat, and it is generally avoided in weak digestion with loose stools.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Use with caution and generally avoid in pregnancy — it is cold and strongly moving.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.