Scolopendra
Source
The whole body of Scotopendra subspinipes. mutilans L. Koch, family Scolopendridae.
Characteristics
The body flat and long, 9-17 cm in length, 0.5-1.0 cm in width, yellow
to
brown-yellow, consisting of 22 somites, dividing into heat and trunk,
with a pair of antennae and a pair of poisonous hooks on the head, and
bearing a pair of chelicerae on both sides of each trunk somite. Unpleasant
odour. Acrid in taste, warm in nature, and attributive to liver channel.
Indication
1. Expel wind and relieve spasm: For tetanus, acute and chronic infantile
convulsion, apoplexy with distortion of the face, usually together with
Scorpio (Powder for Relieving Spasm ); for heat syndrome with convulsion,
used together with Ramulus Uneariae cum Uncis and Comu Saigae Tataricae.
I
2. Dredge the meridian and alleviate pain: For headache of head-wind or
blood-stasis type, rheumatism, etc.
3.
Remove toxic material and disperse the lumps: For skin infection, scmfula,
subcutaneous nodes, multiple abcesses, snake bite, insect bite, etc.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Anti-convulsive.
2. Inhibiting the growth of dermatomyces in vitro.
3. Bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal, especially for Bacillus tuberculosis.
Administration
Decoction: 2-5g.
Powder: 0.6-1.0g bid or tid.