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Mantises produce offspring and build nests in late autumn, adhering them to mulberry branches; this is Sangpiaoxiao (Mantis Egg-case). It is about one cun long and as thick as a thumb. Internally, it has multiple layers of septa. Each nest contains eggs resembling maggot larvae. They all hatch after the Mangzhong solar term. (Li Shizhen) They can be harvested in the second or third lunar month. (Chen Cangqi)

The taste is salty and sweet. The nature is neutral. The qi is thin while the flavor is strong. It belongs to Yin. It enters the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It is a herb for the Liver, Kidney, and Mingmen (Gate of Vitality). (Li Shizhen) The *Shennong Bencao Jing* treats internal injury, hernia, and mass accumulation, and essence loss. Ancient formulas use it for mental confusion and absent-mindedness, as well as night sweats due to deficiency heat. Sangpiaoxiao can assist in treatment; taking ten egg-cases made into five pills is more effective.

[Discussion] Sangpiaoxiao produces offspring in late autumn and remains sealed within the case until it emerges vigorously after the Mangzhong solar term. It develops after the period when the Fire Star governs and things mature, and emerges when the Fire Star holds sway. Its nature allows both movement and consolidation, fitting perfectly with the concentrated energy of essence. However, whether it moves or stops, tonifies or drains, must be governed by the combination with other herbs. Although its taste and nature are salty and neutral, and it travels to the Kidney to promote water passages, it possesses the converging qi of autumn. For cases of seminal emission and urinary incontinence caused by excessive fire, it should be used in small amounts. (Chen Jiru)

[Differentiation and Treatment] Those attached to mulberry branches are considered superior. Mulberry trees are the essence of the Water Star; this organism inherits Metal qi, moving from mother to offspring, thus possessing concentrated essence. Kou Zongshi stated that all silkworms used as medicine are those that eat mulberry leaves. This insect belongs to Yang, prefers dryness and dislikes dampness, eats but does not drink, undergoes three sleeps and three awakenings, and hatches from the egg as an ant-silkworm after twenty-seven days, molts into a silkworm, spins a cocoon, pupates, emerges as a moth, lays eggs, and the eggs hatch back into ant-silkworms. There are also viviparous silkworms. (Li Shizhen) Jiangcan (Stiff Silkworm) is a silkworm that died of wind disease; its color becomes white naturally and does not rot. Sometimes all silkworms in a tray stiffen; if dried immediately, they do not spoil. Jiangcan shares the same qi as silkworms. Tao Hongjing said that applying Jiangcan powder to horse teeth prevents them from eating grass; wiping it off with mulberry leaves restores their ability to eat. This shows that silkworms are similar to horses. However, the functions of Jiangcan and live silkworms are vastly different.

The taste is pungent and slightly salty. The nature is slightly warm. Both qi and flavor are thin. It is light, floating, and ascending. It belongs to Yang within Yang. It enters the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian, Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian, and Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian. It primarily treats infantile convulsions and night crying. Jiangcan powder can be used to disperse wind. Take half liang of Jiangcan, calcined to retain efficacy, ground equally into powder, and mixed with white plum flesh to form pills. Take one bi per dose. For double tongue or wooden tongue, mix Jiangcan with Renzhongbai (Urine Scum) and Baiyu (White Fish), grind equally, and apply externally.

[Discussion] Silkworms obtain the qi of Fire and Earth, with Metal within Fire, known as Dry Metal. When used as medicine, only those eating mulberry leaves are selected because mulberry trees inherit the essence of Water and Earth. Its qi seems to emerge from Yin to Yang, transforming Wood following Metal. Therefore, its main function is dispersion, treating head wind (e.g., using Tianma Chuanxiong Wan to calm fire). Wuyaoshunqi San promotes circulation for bi syndrome; Doukou Wan treats headache (Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang). Is this treating wind? It is a substance where Wood transforms following Metal. Although each has its own function, warm, cool, cold, and hot properties are all suitable. This preserves its wind-dispersing nature, treating excess pathogens, but is not specifically for external pathogens. For stagnation, mild cases are regulated with Muxiang and Xiangfu; severe cases are suppressed and consolidated with Zhizi and Longdancao. This is treating according to the root of Wind-Wood transformation.

[Processing] Do not distinguish between early or late silkworms; only use those that are white and straight. (Su Song) Remove the mouthparts and feet, stir-fry lightly, or remove the silk-spinning organ and stir-fry before use. Commonly seen in pharmacies.