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Di Long (地龍), the earthworm, clears heat and extinguishes wind to stop convulsion, unblocks the channels (for hemiplegia and painful obstruction), calms wheezing, and promotes urination.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Pheretima aspergillum (Pheretima)
Common English Name
Earthworm
Taste
Salty
Temperature
Cold
Channels Entered
Liver, Spleen, Bladder
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and extinguishes wind (high fever convulsions)
- Unblocks the channels (hemiplegia, wind-damp painful obstruction)
- Calms wheezing (Lung heat)
- Promotes urination
Indications
High fever with convulsions and mania; hemiplegia following windstroke and painful obstruction with heat; wheezing from Lung heat; and difficult urination with heat.
Dosage
4.5-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Huang Qi and Dang Gui (Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang) for post-stroke hemiplegia.
Cautions & Contraindications
Cold; avoid in deficiency-cold patterns.
