Centipede (Wugong)-Scolopendra subspinipes mutilams L. Koch

Centipede (Wugong)

Pharmaceutical Name: Scolopendra

Zoological Name: Scolopendra subspinipes mutilams L. Koch

Common Name: Centipede

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The centipede is caught in spring, and then it is boiled, dried and pounded into powder, or fixed to bamboo slats to dry.

Properties & Taste: Pungent, warm and toxic.

Meridian: Liver.

Functions: 1. To subdue endogenous wind and stop spasms; 2. To dispel toxins; 3. To clear collaterals and stop pain

Indications & Combinations:

1. Acute and chronic convulsions or tetany manifested as spasms, convulsions of the limbs and ophisthotonos. Centipede (Wugong) is used with Scorpion (Quanxie), White-stiff silkworm (Baijiangcan) and Uncaria stem (Gouteng).

2. Stubborn headache and rheumatic pain. Centipede (Wugong) is used with Scorpion (Quanxie), Gastrodia tuber (Tianma), White-stiff silkworm (Baijiangcan) and Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong).

Dosage: 1-3 g; 0.6-1 g for powder.

Cautions & Contraindications: This substance is toxic. Overdosing should be avoided. This substance is contraindicated during pregnancy.