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Queweng (Cocoon of the Tussah Moth or similar insect nest)

Taste: Sweet. Nature: Neutral. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Primarily treats infantile convulsions and epilepsy (Jingxian), alternating chills and fever, Qi stagnation, Gu poison, and Guizhu disease (a chronic wasting infectious disease). Also known as Zaoshe. Grows in Hanzhong region; harvested and steamed. It forms nests on tree branches, specifically the nests of the Ran Si insect. Harvested in August.

Tao Hongjing states: This is the nest of the Hao insect (pronounced "qi li qie", referring to a type of hairy caterpillar or larva). These insects are often found on pomegranate trees, commonly called Hao insects in folklore, and their dorsal spines can sting humans. The eggs are shaped like chicken eggs, about the size of Croton seeds (Badou). Currently, medical formulas rarely use this substance. "Hao" is also written as [character]. The Commentary of Tang Bencao notes: This object has purple and white mottled patterns, resembling the texture of Tridacna shells (Chequ), which is quite attractive. Large ones are the size of a sparrow's egg, appearing in trees like silkworm cocoons (Piaoxiao). Chen Yuxi et al., according to the Shu Bencao commentary, state: Sparrows like to eat it, hence the folk name "Sparrow's Rice Jar". Chen Cangqi adds: In addition to its original functions, it treats infantile trismus (suo kou bing, characterized by tight closure of the mouth). Prick the sides of the infant's mouth until bleeding occurs, then crush the Queyong, extract the juice, and apply it. Alternatively, crush fresh ground beetle (Shufu) and Queyong juice together and apply. Infants often suffer from this condition, gradually developing trismus and inability to suckle milk. During childbirth, opening various objects' mouths and not letting them close is a superstitious practice intended to ward off evil spirits. Breaking open the Queyong, extracting the juice, and giving it to ordinary infants is believed to prevent illness. The Classic of Materia Medica records: It is the nest of the Ran insect. Su Gong claims it is the egg of the Hao insect. However, the Hao insect is flat with dorsal spines, about the size of a silkworm; how could its egg be as large as a sparrow's egg? Su Gong's assertion is deeply erroneous. Queyong is also named Queyong because its shape resembles a jar. "Yong" and "Weng" have similar pronunciations. These insects prefer fruit trees, have five-colored bristles on their backs, and are toxic if they sting. As they mature, they exude white fluid from their mouths, which solidifies into a hard shell resembling a sparrow's egg. The larvae pupate inside, using the jar as a cocoon, and emerge as moths, laying eggs on leaves like silkworm eggs. How could a Hao insect egg be the size of a sparrow's egg? Ri Hua Zi states: It is a nest for hairy insects and is toxic.

The Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica states: Queweng is the nest of the Ran insect. It grows on tree branches in Hanzhong and is now widespread. The Ran insect is the Hao insect (pronounced "qi li qie"), also referred to as [character] (same meaning as Hao). Hairy insects prefer pomegranate trees; they resemble silkworms but are shorter, with five-colored spots on their backs, and are toxic if they sting. Upon maturation, they exude white fluid that hardens into a structure resembling a sparrow's egg, hence the name. It is also called Queyong; "Yong" and "Weng" sound similar. The larvae pupate inside the jar, similar to silkworms in cocoons. Eventually, they emerge as moths, laying eggs on branches and leaves like silkworm eggs, restarting the cycle. Old commentaries incorrectly identified the jar as the insect's egg. Another theory suggests sparrows eat the larvae inside the jars, leading to the folk name "Sparrow's Rice Jar." It is also known as Jigangzi and Tianjiangzi. Harvested in August and steamed. Current medical practitioners use Tianjiangzi containing larvae, Bai Jiangcan (Bombyx Batryticatus, Silkworm), and Gan Xie (Scorpio, Dried Scorpion) in three parts, lightly stir-fried, each taken as three units, ground into powder, and administered with Huangqi Decoction (Mahuang Tang) decoction, one Qianbi (approx. 1-2 grams) per dose, three times daily, adjusted for age. This method is highly effective for treating slow convulsions in children.

Yanyi states: Queweng is mostly found on thorny branches, hence the name Jigangzi. Grind the insect inside, extract it, and administer to infants to treat convulsions and epilepsy.