Library

[Helix Aspersa / Snail]
Taste: Salty. Nature: Cold. Toxicity: Slightly toxic. Meridian tropism: Not recorded. Indications: Mainly treats facial paralysis due to thief wind (wind-stroke), muscle spasms and contractures of tendons and vessels due to infantile convulsions; astringes large intestine prolapse and hemorrhoidal pain; eliminates thirst and malnutrition syndrome in children. Preparation: Stir-fry over fire before use.
Note: The name "Snail" is derived from the horn-like protrusions on its head resembling that of an ox. In summer, they often climb high; once their mucus flows out completely, they wither and die. Fire-frying is necessary indeed to remove their cold nature [and to awaken thirst and treat hemorrhoids]. There are various species with approximately similar efficacy; further details are omitted here.

[Bombyx Batryticatus / Stiff Silkworm]
Taste: Salty, Pungent. Nature: Slightly warm. Toxicity: Slightly toxic. Meridian tropism: Enters the Heart, Liver, Spleen, and Lung meridians. Indications: Mainly treats trismus and aphonia due to wind-warmth; carbuncles and toxins combined with wind-phlegm stagnation; skin sensations like insects crawling; infantile convulsions and night crying; metrorrhagia and leukorrhea (red and white discharge) in women; stops pruritus vulvae; expels three types of parasites; removes dark spots. Preparation: Soak in rice washing water to remove mucus, stir-fry to remove silk threads. Contraindications: Adverse interaction with Poria cocos (Fuling), Poria cocos with pine root (Fushen), Dioscorea hypoglauca (Bixie), Mantis ootheca (Sangpiaoxiao), Platycodon grandiflorus (Jiegeng), and male silkworm moth (Xiong can'e). Nature: Hot. Indications: Consolidates essence and strengthens yang; prevents fatigue during sexual intercourse.
Note: Zhu Danxi stated: Bai Jiangcan belongs to Fire but also possesses Earth, Metal, and Water qualities, which explains its entry into the Heart, Liver, Spleen, and Lung meridians. When used, those with intact heads and tails are twice as potent; the same applies to silkworm moths.
Lei Gong stated: For preparation, first soak in glutinous rice washing water for one day. Wait until the silkworm/mulberry mucus floats to the surface like snail mucus, then drain and dry over a mild fire...

[Cicada Slough / Periostracum Cicadae]
Taste: Salty, Sweet. Nature: Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Meridian tropism: Not recorded. Indications: Mainly promotes delivery and expulsion of the placenta; unblocks lactation; stops night crying and infantile convulsions; drives out pathogenic heat; kills malnutrition parasites; also relieves thirst.
Note: There are five types of cicadas, distinguished by Chen Cangqi. Currently, those that are extremely large in size, produce very loud sounds, and sing continuously without interruption are considered best for medicinal use. In Western Sichuan, there is a type called "Cicada Flower," where the cicada fails to emerge from its shell and transforms into a flower growing from its crown. Its efficacy is roughly the same, so it is not listed separately.

[Pheretima / Earthworm]
Taste: Bitter, Sweet. Nature: Neutral. Toxicity: Slightly toxic. Meridian tropism: Not recorded. Indications: Mainly treats five types of hemorrhoids, intestinal wind with bloody stool, vomiting (fanwei), epistaxis, abdominal pain, accumulation hernia, and swelling/pain of the scrotum. Preparation: Decoct or simmer in wine. Adverse interactions: Adverse interaction with Platycodon grandiflorus (Jiegeng) and Ophiopogon japonicus (Mendong).
Note: There are several varieties of earthworms. Only those that are pale white with feet resembling pig trotters are considered superior; others are not suitable for use. Their bones must never be ingested, as they cause emaciation.