Centipede (Wu Gong)

蜈蚣
Centipede (Wugong)

Pharmaceutical Name: Scolopendra

Zoological Name: Scolopendra subspinipes mutilams L. Koch

Common Name: Centipede

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used: The centipede is caught in spring, and then it is boiled, dried and pounded into powder, or fixed to bamboo slats to dry.

Natural Properties & Taste: Pungent, warm and toxic

Meridians: Liver

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To subdue endogenous wind and stop spasms;
2. To dispel toxins;
3. To clear collaterals and stop pain

Indications:
1. Acute and chronic convulsions or tetany manifested as spasms, convulsions of the limbs and ophisthotonos. Centipede (Wugong) is used with Scorpion (Quanxie), White-stiff silkworm (Baijiangcan) and Uncaria stem (Gouteng).

2. Stubborn headache and rheumatic pain. Centipede (Wugong) is used with Scorpion (Quanxie), Gastrodia tuber (Tianma), White-stiff silkworm (Baijiangcan) and Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong).

Dosage: 1-3 g; 0.6-1 g for powder

Cautions & Contraindications: This substance is toxic. Overdosing should be avoided. This substance is contraindicated during pregnancy.