Jiu Xiang Chong九香虫
Aspongopus · Stink Bug · Aspongopus Insect
Overview
A dried insect — the only animal-derived herb in this chapter. Salty and warm, entering the Liver, Spleen and Kidney, it does two things at once that few qi-movers manage: it regulates qi and stops pain in the middle burner, and it warms and supports Kidney yang. That combination is why it is reached for in chronic cold epigastric pain in a patient who is also cold, tired and weak in the lower back, rather than in acute stagnation in a robust patient.
Nature & Flavor
Salty · WarmChannels
Liver · Spleen · KidneyTypical Dosage
3–9 g in decoctionActions
2 core actions
- Regulates qi, stops painChronic cold epigastric pain and flank pain from Liver-Stomach disharmony with cold, eased by warmth and worse when tired.
- Warms the middle, assists yangKidney yang deficiency with impotence, cold aching lower back and knees, and a general aversion to cold.
In Formulas
Formulas containing Jiu Xiang Chong
No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.
Indications & Clinical Uses
- Chronic cold epigastric and flank pain
- Liver-Stomach disharmony with cold
- Kidney yang deficiency with impotence
- Cold, aching lower back and knees
Western Medical Keywords
Searchable condition terms
Contraindications
Cautions
Warm and yang-supporting: contraindicated in yin deficiency with internal heat and in any true-heat pattern. Being an insect product it is a plausible allergen — patients with known insect or crustacean protein allergy should avoid it, and it is unsuitable for patients who exclude animal-derived medicines on dietary or religious grounds, which is worth asking about before prescribing rather than after. Source only from a licensed supplier; wild-caught insects of unverified species and hygiene are a contamination risk.
Contraindicated in pregnancy: Warming and yang-supporting, with no established safety data in pregnancy — use only under the direction of the treating practitioner.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only
References
- Ben Cao Gang Mu《本草纲目》(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》(2020 edition).
4. 《中药学》(新世纪第二版), chapter on herbs that regulate the qi.
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.