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Scorpion (Quanxie)
Taste: Sweet, pungent. Toxicity: Toxic. Actions: Treats various wind-induced urticaria (skin itching with red rashes), stroke, hemiplegia, deviation of the mouth and eyes, slurred speech, and twitching or spasms of the hands and feet. Scorpions that are tight and small in form are superior. [Those from Qingzhou are considered superior. (Added note)]
Minister Yuxi et al. respectfully note according to the Shu Bencao: Scorpions that are tight and small are called "Chai" (Note: The text mentions Duan Chengshi's *Youyang Zazu* stating that giant "Shufu" insects often transform into scorpions. After a scorpion dies... Jiangnan region previously had no scorpions; early in the Kaiyuan era, a Chief Clerk transported them across the river in bamboo tubes. To this day, they are often found in Jiangnan, commonly referred to as "Zhubu Chong" (Chief Clerk Insect). Scorpions are often eaten by snails; if lured by their trail first, they will not leave. The anterior part of the scorpion is called "Shi", and the posterior part is called "Chai". Ri Huazi states: Scorpion is neutral in nature.
*Tujing Bencao* states: Scorpion's place of origin was not noted in old records, but annotations mention those from Qingzhou are superior. Currently, they are found in Jingdongxi Circuit and He, Shan prefectures. There is no fixed time for collection.
For use, tight and small ones are desired. People now capture them and dry them to death using fire for storage. Medical texts refer to them as "Chai". Tao Hongjing's *Jiyan Fang* states: Scorpions have male and female distinctions. Apply mud from under tile roof gutters to the affected area. If there is no mud due to lack of rain, draw fresh water from the roof by pouring it down, and collect the resulting mud for use. Alternatively, draw a cross on the ground, take the soil from above, mix with water, and administer half a 'bi' measure orally. It is also stated that for unbearable pain from scorpion stings where other treatments fail, someone suggested soaking the finger and hand in cold water, which relieves pain; when the water warms slightly and pain returns, replace with cold water. In places where cold water immersion is not suitable, wrap the area with old cloth, changing it when it becomes slightly warm; all methods are effective. There is also an incantation/exorcism method, which people today can still use effectively. Ancient and modern formulas treating stroke-induced limb spasms and pediatric convulsions: mostly use scorpion. *Qie Zhong Fang* treats pediatric wind-phthisis (wind epilepsy): Wrap the scorpion, dry it over mild fire, gradually increase heat until it turns bright red, remove from fire after a long time, let cool, remove mud, take the charred black center, grind finely. Mix with milk juice, administer half a 'bi' measure orally to stop convulsions. For older children, mix powder with *Fangfeng* Decoction (Saposhnikoviae Radix Decoction) for oral administration.
Empirical Formula: Treats pediatric convulsive wind. Use one scorpion, without removing head or tail, wrap with four leaves of Mint (Bohe), roast on fire until mint is scorched, grind together into powder. Form pills the size of millet seeds, forty-nine in number. Take ginger slices the size of the scorpion, forty-nine pieces. Stir-fry both in a copper vessel until ginger is dry, then grind into powder. Take all as a single dose, warm wine at night, drinking to intoxication is acceptable. If the next day there is a sound like playing a sheng in the ears, it indicates efficacy.
*Yanyi* states: Scorpion is used for both adults and children, indispensable for treating pediatric convulsive wind. Some use the whole scorpion, some use only the tail tip (scorpion stinger); the tail tip has particularly potent effects.
Currently captured from under stones in Qingzhou mountains, dried slowly over fire or sun-dried. When the scorpion is thirsty and hot, feed it green mud; once its belly is full, kill it with fire. Hence, its color is often reddish, likely to increase weight for sale. Physicians use it, removing all dirt. If stung, one can still suppress the venom. Having been stung myself, my elder brother suppressed it and stopped the pain, and ordered me to do so, thus I did not feel pain upon being stung. The techniques of the Hanlin Academy for suppression are complete.