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Sangpiaoxiao (Mantis Egg Case)
Salty, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Harmonizes blood and strengthens Yin. Astringes to treat enuresis; benefits essence and fortifies the Kidney. (Sangpiaoxiao refers to the egg case of the mantis. Also known as Laiu Lang. The ones from mulberry trees are considered superior. Sweet and salty, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Blood aspect of the Kidney meridian. Its primary function is to benefit the Kidney and secure essence. Therefore, for children with insufficient Kidney Qi and frequent nocturnal enuresis, it is often roasted and powdered for administration. The name "Laiu Lang" derives from this effect. It has the ability to promote and invigorate blood circulation; thus, internally it can also treat amenorrhea and dribbling in women, and externally applied, it can resolve carbuncles, swellings, and fistulas. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* also states it promotes urination, which seems contrary to its astringent property regarding urination. Perhaps, like Cheqianzi (Plantago Seed), it secures the essence while promoting the expulsion of pathogenic fluids. However, it is difficult for a single substance to possess both opposing functions simultaneously; students should investigate this carefully.)

Its cold nature treats dysentery caused by heat toxins. Black [Wuguchong] treats infant malnutrition (Gan accumulation). (Wuguchong refers to fly larvae/maggots found in feces. Salty, cold, non-toxic. Its efficacy specializes in clearing heat and resolving toxicity. It guides pathogens downward, thus treating dysentery caused by heat toxins. As a wriggling creature, it digests and grinds food, acting on the Spleen, Stomach, and Large Intestine; therefore, when roasted and powdered, it treats infant Gan accumulation. For lip ding sores, Wuguchong is powdered and mixed with sesame oil for topical application; fresh specimens are even better, utilizing their salty-cold detoxifying and wriggling dispersing properties.)

Wugong (Centipede)
Its nature is agile and penetrating, and it is toxic. It dissipates swelling and moves blood stasis. Its taste is pungent and warm. It searches out wind and stops spasms. It kills snakes and wards off gu poison, first entering the Stomach. It treats epilepsy and convulsions, and enters the Liver. (Wugong is pungent, warm, and toxic. Its nature is good at moving and penetrating. It can subdue snakes, thus entering the Liver meridian. It cuts off wind and stops spasms. For conditions such as snake bites, gu poisoning, etc., it can be roasted and powdered for oral administration. Regarding the movement of blood stasis and dissipation of toxic swellings, and its application for all external lesions, these utilize its merit of using toxicity to combat toxicity, searching out wind, and killing insects.)

Dilong (Earthworm)
Its nature descends. It promotes water metabolism and unblocks collaterals. This is all derived from its salty and cold nature to retreat fire and heat. It treats cystocele; toxins arise from fire, so one must seek clean earthworm mud. (Dilong refers to the earthworm. This creature hibernates in the soil and feeds on soil. It is adept at burrowing and descending. Salty, cold, non-toxic. Enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians. For all conditions involving severe heat, mania, massive abdominal edema, and urinary obstruction, this herb can be used to guide downwards. It also treats damp-heat podagra attacking upwards; whether used internally or externally, various formulas yield miraculous effects. ○ Earthworm mud refers to the excrement of the earthworm. Because it consumes soil, its excrement is also soil. It resolves toxicity and clears heat. Its nature, taste, and functions are identical to those of the earthworm itself, but it is used only for external application and poultices.)