Library

*Wugong* (Scolopendra), also known as *Langqu*. It is most abundant in Sichuan and Guangdong, and also found in the Jiangnan region. Its back has a silken texture, and its abdomen is yellow. Those with red heads and large legs are male (*Gong*), while those that are yellow and slender are female (*Mu*). The distinction between male and female for medicinal use gives rise to its name. It is harvested in the seventh and eighth lunar months. It tastes pungent (*Xin*), is warm in nature, and is toxic. It is a herb entering the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian. It primarily treats leprosy (*Lifeng*), tetanus (*Poshangfeng*), pediatric convulsions and spasms due to fright and epilepsy (*Xiao'er Jingxian Chu*), umbilical wind with jaw lock (*Qikou Jin*), alternating cold and heat in the heart and abdomen, accumulation and distension, and masses (*Zhijia*). It also treats delirium during epileptic seizures, removes bad blood, induces abortion, dissipates gu poison, counters various snakes, corpse-wandering pathogens (*Shizhu*), and malignant qi, and kills three types of intestinal parasites. Applied externally, it treats buboes (*Biandu*), hemorrhoidal fistulas, scrofula with ulceration, and bites from pit vipers.

It is born bearing the Qi of Fire and Metal; pungent and warm, it belongs to Yang. (Zhongchun [Miao Xiyong] stated: What moves swiftly are only wind and snakes. Since Scolopendra can subdue snakes, it can also intercept wind.) (Binhu [Li Shizhen] stated: Scolopendra is toxic; only when the pathogenic wind is fierce can it be countered by this herb. When wind and pathogenic factors are violent, they are not easily stopped unless intercepted by Scolopendra. However, the key lies in the appropriateness of the medicine to the disease. (The method for general agents is recorded before the processing section.)

When combined with horn of buffalo, powder of ivory,刺 (thorns) from pig's hanging hoof skin, and shavings from bamboo eaten by insects, it can eliminate intestinal fistulas. For pediatric jaw lock preventing suckling, take a Scolopendra moving eastward, remove the legs, roast, and grind into powder. Mix half a qian of powder with two he of pig milk, divide into three or four doses, and administer warm.

For Suohou Zhang (Lock-throat miasma, characterized by swelling and pain in the neck extending to the throat, which is an external snake miasma in Lingnan), grind one or two segments of red-legged Scolopendra finely and swallow with water for immediate cure.

For erysipelas and tumor swelling, use one Scolopendra, a piece of alum the size of a soap pod, one Leiwan (Polyporus), and two qian of Bai Bu (Stemona Root). Grind into powder, mix with vinegar, and apply externally.

For scrofula with ulceration, use "Cha Wugong" (Tea-colored Scolopendra). Roast until fragrant, crush, and sieve into powder. First wash the area clean with Licorice Decoction, then apply the powder.

For early-stage buboes, use one yellow-legged Scolopendra, bake on a tile until the substance remains but moisture is gone, grind into powder, mix with wine, and ingest. Sweating will cause the swelling to dissipate.

[Discussion] The nature of Scolopendra allows it to subdue snakes. Snakes correspond to Si (the sixth Earthly Branch), bear the function of Xun (Wind in Bagua), and combine with the vigorous Qi of the Six Yang meridians. This creature subdues them because Scolopendra also corresponds to Xun, and Wind-Wood corresponds to Mao. Wind and Fire interact, causing Yang Qi to fail to transform; thus, intercepting wind is necessary to treat these conditions.

Mr. Miao pointed out that pediatric slow convulsion with jaw lock and silence, adult warm malaria not caused by miasma, and buboes that have formed pus and are about to ulcerate are all contraindications for taking Scolopendra. Overconsumption of Scolopendra...

[Differentiation and Treatment] The thousand-legger (millipede) is very similar to Scolopendra, distinguished only by the white flesh on its head and its sharp face and mouth. If mistakenly used and exposed to its fishy odor, it may enter the crown of the head...