Library

(Recorded in the Lower Grade of *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

**[Names]**
(Qingyin), Qu (Chunrun), Jian Can (Qiantian), Ruan Shan, Qu , Tu
Li Shizhen stated: When earthworms move, they contract first and then extend; their shape resembles a mound, hence the name "Qiu Yin" (Earthworm).
*Erya* calls it , and people in Ba call it Qu ; these are all transformations of local dialects. The *Shanglin Fu* states: "Sometimes winding like an eel bending, or turning like a snake moving." It moves according to its nature; when struck by an object, it bends, which is correct. Practitioners of arts claim that earthworms can summon clouds and predict weather, thus earning the names "Tu Long" (Earth Dragon) and "Long Zi" (Dragon's Son). Its long chanting cry leads to the name "Ge Nu" (Singing Female).
Tao Hongjing noted: Those crushed on roads are named "Qian Ren Ta" (Thousand People Tread); for medicinal use, they are superior.

**[Collection and Explanation]**
*Mingyi Bie Lu* states: Bai Jing Qiu Yin (White-necked Earthworm) grows in flat soil. Collect in March and dry in the sun.
Hongjing stated: For medicinal use, the white-necked variety is chosen as it represents older worms. After collection, remove soil and salt them; expose to sun briefly until they liquefy, a method often used by Daoist practitioners. Their excrement is called Yi Fen (also known as Liu Yi Ni), as they feed on fine mud without sand or stones, suitable for lining cauldrons used in alchemy.
Li Shizhen stated: They are found in flat, moist, fertile lands everywhere. They emerge at the beginning of early summer and huddle together in deep winter. They appear before rain and sing at night during clear weather. Some say they transform into Lily bulbs when huddled. They share burrows with Zhi (Katydids) as male and female. Thus, Guo Pu praised: "Earthworm is the essence of earth, a heartless insect. Mating does not distinguish gender; it is promiscuous with Zhi." This is correct. Currently, children's scrotal swelling is often attributed to being "blown upon" by this creature. *Jingyan Fang* states: If bitten by an earthworm, symptoms resemble severe wind disease, with eyebrows and beard falling out; soaking in Duan Shi (calcined iron ore) water is effective. Previously, General Zhang Shao of Zhejiang suffered from this, hearing earthworms singing inside his body every night. A monk taught him to soak in salt water, curing him after several applications.
Zong described: This creature is toxic. At the end of the Chongning era, soldiers in Longzhou who walked barefoot in summer were poisoned by earthworms and died. Days later, others were similarly affected. Soaking in salt water and drinking a cup cured them.

**[Processing]**
Hongjing stated: If using dried earthworms, they must be roasted into powder.
Su Song stated: Upon collection, soak in rice washing water overnight, drain, soak in non-ashy wine for one day, dry, and slice. For every liang of earthworm, add two qian half each of Shu Jiao (Sichuan peppercorn) and glutinous rice, boil until rice is cooked, then remove the earthworms.
Li Shizhen stated: For medicinal use, they may be powdered, liquefied, or calcined to ash, depending on the prescription.

**Bai Jing Qiu Yin (White-necked Earthworm)**
**[Flavor and Nature]** Salty, Cold, Non-toxic.
Li Dangzhi stated: Slightly toxic.
Zhi Cai stated: Averse to Scallion and Salt.

**[Indications]**
Treats She Jia (Snake-like abdominal mass), expels the Three Parasites and Fu Shi (latent corpse parasites), Ghost Zhu (ghostly infection) and Gu Du (poisonous pestilence), kills Chang Chong (long intestinal worms) (*Ben Jing*). Liquefied, treats Shang Han (Cold Damage), latent heat with mania and delirium, Da Huang Dan (severe jaundice) (*Bie Lu*). Wen Bing (Warm Disease), extreme heat and mania (Su Song). Main indications include Shang Han Nue Ji (Cold Damage and Malaria) Zhu Bing (infectious diseases), Tou Feng Chi Tong (Head Wind and Toothache), Feng Re Chi Yan (Wind-Heat Red Eye), Mu She Hou Bi (Wooden Tongue and Throat Obstruction), Bi Xi Er (Nasal Congestion and Deafness), Tu Chuang Luo Li (Scrofula and Bald Patches), Juan Zhong Tuo Gang (Scrotal Swelling and Rectal Prolapse), resolves Spider Du (Spider Poison), treats You Yan Ru Er (Centipede entering ear).

**[Elucidation]**
Hongjing stated: Roasted dried earthworm powder is very effective for expelling Ascaris.
Zong stated: Essential for treating Kidney Wind descending pathology.
Song stated: Must be used as a guiding drug in formulas for Leg Wind, though it is toxic. Someone used it for leg disease, achieved miraculous results, but continued taking it indefinitely. After twenty days, they felt irritable and confused, constantly desiring water, leading to collapse. Generally, toxic drugs used to attack pathogens should be stopped once the disease is addressed.
Zhenheng stated: Earthworms belong to Earth, containing Water and Wood properties. Their nature is cold, greatly resolving Heat Toxins and moving Dampness pathologies.
Li Shizhen stated: In correspondence with things, Earthworms embody Earth Virtue; in stars and animals, they correspond to Zhen Water. Eating dry soil above and drinking yellow springs below, their nature is cold and descending. Being cold, they resolve various heat diseases; descending, they promote urination, treat foot ailments, and unblock meridians. Practitioners claim "Earthworm blood can soften bows and crossbows," which is likely false talk.

**[Attached Prescriptions]** Nine old prescriptions, thirty-four new ones.
**Shang Han Re Jie (Cold Damage Heat Accumulation):** Mania and running away after six or seven days. Use half a jin of large earthworms, cleaned of mud, boiled in human urine for juice to drink. Or squeeze fresh juice. (*Zhouhou Beiji Fang*). **Yang Du Jie Xiong (Yang Toxic Chest Binding):** Extreme pain on pressure, alternating obstruction, panting, extreme restlessness and mania. Take four fresh Di Long (Earthworms), wash clean, grind into paste, add a little Ginger Juice, one spoon of Honey, a little Mint Juice, mix with fresh well water and take. If heat is intense, add a little Bing Pian (Borneol). Rub the epigastrium immediately; sweat will naturally occur and resolve the condition. If ineffective, repeat once, divine effect. (*Shanghan Yunyao*). Various Malarial Fevers with extreme restlessness: Use the above formula, very effective. Also treats Zhang Malaria. (*Zhizhi*). **Xiao Bian Bu Tong (Urinary Retention):** Earthworms, mashed, soaked in water. Filter thick juice, half bowl, drink, immediate relief. (*Doumen*). **Lao Ren Niao Bi (Elderly Urinary Retention):** Bai Jing Qiu Yin and Huixiang (Fennel) in equal parts, pounded for juice, drink to cure. (*Zhu Shi Jiyan Fang*). **Xiao Er Niao Bi (Pediatric Urinary Retention):** Caused by heat accumulation. Use several large Di Long, clean mud, add little honey, grind and apply to penis and scrotum. Also burn Can Tui Zhi (Silkworm Cast Skin Paper), Zhu Sha (Cinnabar), Long Nao (Camphor), She Xiang (Musk), grind together, mix with Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon) and Deng Xin Cao (Juncus) decoction to take. (*Quanyou*). **Xiao Er Ji Jing (Pediatric Acute Convulsion):** Wufu Wan: One fresh earthworm, ground, mixed with one pill of Wufu Huadu Dan, dissolved in little Mint Decoction. *Puji Fang* records: Liang Guocai said: Scholar Li Yanzhi in Yangzhou sold this medicine exclusively, earning a thousand gold per dose, supporting ten mouths. Liang transmitted the formula, tested personally with frequent success, must be recorded to save infants.
**Jing Feng Men Luan (Convulsion with Mental Confusion):** Ruxiang Wan: Treats Pediatric Slow Convulsion, mental confusion, irritability, tendon spasm, Stomach deficiency with worm movement, opisthotonos and crying. Use Ban Qian Ruxiang (Frankincense), one Qian Hufen (Lead White), grind evenly, mix with fresh Bai Jing Qiu Yin (kneaded to remove soil), pound into paste, form pills size of Hemp Seeds. Take 7-15 pills, down with Scallion White Decoction. (*Puji Fang*). **Man Jing Xu Feng (Slow Convulsion Deficient Wind):** Use Ping Zheng Fuzi (Aconite) peeled and de-navelled, raw ground to powder. Roll Bai Jing Qiu Yin in the powder, wait for stability, scrape off the powder adhering to the worm, form pills size of Yellow Rice. Take 10 pills, down with Rice Drink. (*Baiyi Fang*).
**Ji Man Jing Feng (Acute and Slow Convulsions):** Collect earthworms on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. Cut into two pieces with a bamboo knife. Group fast-jumping ones and slow-jumping ones separately. Grind each group finely, mix with Zhu Sha (Cinnabar) powder to form pills. Clearly mark: fast-jumpers for acute convulsion, slow-jumpers for slow convulsion. Take 5-7 pills, down with Mint Decoction. (*Xiaoer Yaokan*).
**Xiao Er Luan Zhong (Pediatric Scrotal Swelling):** Use Di Long, powder with soil, mix with saliva for application. (*Qian Shi Fang*). **Lao Fu Luan Zhong or Shrinking into Abdomen:** Colic in abdomen, heavy body, inability to lift head. Urgency in lower abdomen, heat rushing to chest, limb spasms nearing death. Use 24 earthworms, one dou of water, boil to three sheng, take in one dose to induce sweat. Or crush several sheng of earthworms for juice to drink, both good. (*Zhouhou Beiji Fang*).
**Shou Zu Zhong Tong Yu Duan (Swollen and Painful Hands/Feet Nearing Amputation):** Take three sheng earthworms, five sheng water, crush to get two and a half sheng juice, drink. (*Zhouhou*).
**Dai Zhi Teng Tong (Paronychia Pain):** Pound earthworms, apply. (*Shenghui*).
**Feng Re Tou Tong (Wind-Heat Headache):** Di Long (stir-fried and ground), Jiang Zhi (Ginger Juice), Ban Xia Bing (Pinellia Cake), Chi Fu Ling (Red Poria) in equal parts. Powder. Take one zi to half a qian, down with Ginger and Jingjie Decoction. (*Puji*).
**Tou Feng Teng Tong (Head Wind Pain):** Long Zhu Wan: Collect earthworms on May 5th, mix with Naozh (Borneol) and She Xiang (Musk), pound, form pills size of Hemp Seeds. Insert one pill into nostril, left or right as needed. First smear Ginger Juice in nose, immediate cure. (*Zonglu*).
**Pian Zheng Tou Tong Bu Ke Ren Zhe (Unbearable Migraine/Tension Headache):** *Puji* Long Xiang San: Di Long (cleaned, dried), Ruxiang (Frankincense) equal parts. Powder. Form one zi into paper twist, burn on lamp, inhale smoke. *Danliao Fang*: Add Ren Zhi Jia (Human Nail) equal parts, said to be Xu Jieweng's formula. Use one pinch, burn slowly in incense burner, guide smoke into nose with paper tube. Hold cold water in mouth...
**Feng Chi Yan Tong (Wind-Red Eye Pain):** Ten Di Longs, roasted to powder, taken with tea, three qian. (*Shenghui*).
**Feng Chong Ya Tong (Wind-Worm Toothache):** Salt-dissolved Di Long water, mixed with flour applied to teeth. Also apply Gleditsia Sinensis (Zao Jia) peeled powder. Worms will exit. Also plug ears with Yuan Hu Suo (Corydalis) and Bi Bo (Long Pepper) powder. (*Puji*).
**Ya Chi Lie Teng (Cracked Teeth Pain):** Dead Qu , powder, apply to stop pain. (*Qianjin Yi*).
**Chi Feng Chu Xue Bu Zhi (Gum Bleeding Unstoppable):** Di Long powder, Ku Fan (Alum) one qian each, little She Xiang, grind and rub. (*Shenghui Fang*).
**Ya Chi Dong Yao and Trauma Falling Out, Other Medicines Ineffective:** Gan Di Long (stir-fried), Wu Bei Zi (Galla Chinensis) (stir-fried) equal parts powder. First rub teeth with Ginger, then apply. (*Yuyao Yuan Fang*).
**Mu She Zhong Man (Wooden Tongue Swelling, Fatal if Untreated):** One earthworm, dissolve in salt water, apply. Gradually subsides after some time. (*Puji Fang*).
**Yan Hou Cu Zhong Bu Xia Shi (Sudden Throat Swelling Unable to Eat):** Fourteen Di Longs, mash and apply outside throat. Also one earthworm, dissolve in salt water, add little honey, drink. (*Shenghui Fang*).
**Hou Bi Sai Kou (Throat Obstruction Blocking Mouth):** *Puji*: Use several small red earthworms from leek fields, crush with vinegar for juice, eat and hold in throat. Immediately vomit two or three bowls of phlegm-blood, diet resumes, divine effect. *Shenghui*.
**Bi Zhong Rou Zi (Nasal Polyps):** One fen Di Long (stir-fried), one Ting Ya Zao (Gleditsia Fruit), powder. Mix with honey, apply. Clear with clean water to remove. (*Shenghui*).
**Er Cu Long Bi (Sudden Ear Deafness):** Earthworm with salt, place in Scallion, dissolve water, drip into ear, immediate effect. (*Shengjin*).
**Er Chu Nong (Ear Discharge):** Fresh Di Long, Fu Shang Mo (Soot from Cauldron), Sheng Zhu Zhi (Raw Lard) equal parts. Grind evenly, mix with Scallion Juice, roll into suppositories, wrap in silk and insert. *Shenghui Fang*: Di Long powder, insufflate. **Er Zhong Ding Ning Gan Jie Bu Chu (Dry Cerumen Impaction):** Use white earthworm, place in Scallion leaf to liquefy, drip into ear until full. After a few times, easily removed.
**You Yan Ru Er (Centipede Entering Ear):** Di Long powder, place in Scallion leaf to liquefy, drip in, centipede also liquefies. (*Shenghui Fang*).
**Bai Tu Tou Chuang (Scalp Ringworm):** Gan Di Long powder, add Qing Fen (Calomel), mix with Sesame Oil for application. (*Puji Fang*).
**Luo Li Kui Lan Liu Chuan (Ulcerated Scrofula Spreading):** Use lower segment of Schizonepeta root, decoct for warm wash. After some time, prick purple-black broken sores with needle to bleed, wash 3-4 times. Use a handful of earthworms from leek fields, collected at dawn, burned red on charcoal fire, powder. One spoon, add Ban Qian Ruxiang, Moyao (Myrrh), Qing Fen, nine slices of Shan Jia (Pangolin Scale), roasted to powder, mix with oil for application, divine effect. Verified formula from Zhu Shouren of Wujin. (*Baoming Ji*).
**Long Chan Chuang Du (Herpes Zoster Poison):** One earthworm from bottom of water vat, mash with mud for application, cures immediately.
**Zhi Zhu Yao Chuang Bian Shen Jie You (Spider Bite All Over Body):** Take one Scallion, remove tip, put earthworm inside leaves, tightly pinch ends to prevent gas escape, shake frequently until liquefied, apply to bite site, very effective. (*Tan Shi Xiao Er Fang*).
**Yang Zheng Tuo Gang (Yang Syndrome Rectal Prolapse):** Wash with Jingjie and Ginger decoction; use one liang Di Long (coiled like coin, cleaned), two qian Po Xiao (Mirabilite), powder, mix with oil for application. (*Quanyou Xinjian*).
**Zhong Gu Xia Xue Ru Lan Gan Zhe (Gu Poison Bloody Stool Like Rotting Liver):** Soak fourteen earthworms in three sheng of Ku Jiu (Vinegar/Wine) until dead, drink the liquid. Even those already dead can be revived. (*Zhouhou Beiji Fang*).
**Li Feng Tong Yang (Leprosy Itching/Pain):** Bai Jing Qiu Yin, clean soil, pound with Jujube Flesh, form pills size of Walnut seeds. Take sixty pills with good Wine. Avoid Ginger, Garlic. (*Huoren Xintong*). **Duikou Du Chuang (Carbuncle at Corner of Mouth), Ulcerated with Pus:** Take earthworms from leek fields, mash finely, mix with cool water for application, change 3-4 times daily. (*Fushou Jing Fang*).
**Er Long Qi Bi (Deafness and Qi Blockage):** Di Long, Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage Root) two and a half liang each, powder. Take two qian, down with Ophiopogon Decoction. After taking, lie down with head low. Once nightly, effective in three nights. (*Shengji Zonglu*).
**Kou She Mi Chuang (Oral Thrush):** Di Long, Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia), powder, mix with Vinegar and raw flour dough, apply to sole of foot, immediate effect. (*Zhaixuan Fang*).
**Qiu Yin Ni (Earthworm Mud)**
See Earth Section.