Herb Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors

Wu Gong

Centipedes | 蜈蚣

Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Pungent, Salty

Organ Affinity

Liver, Lungs

Parts Used

The dried bug

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Wu Gong

Traditional Actions

Extinguish Wind
Stop spasms and convulsions
Detoxify
Disperse nodules
Unblock Meridians
Relieve pain

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Wu Gong belongs to the 'Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors' category. These herbs are used to treat so-called 'hyperactive Liver Yang'. Concretely this translates into high blood pressure as well as seizures, spasms, convulsions, dizziness and vertigo. These herbs often seem to have a powerful antispasmodic effect on the nervous system.

 

Furthermore Wu Gong is Neutral in nature. This means that Wu Gong typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of Wu Gong means that you don't have to worry about that!

 

Wu Gong also tastes Pungent and Salty. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Pungent ingredients like Wu Gong tends to promote the circulations of Qi and Body Fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food. On the other hand Salty ingredients tend to have a draining effect in the body because they clear accumulations, remove Phlegm and soften hard lumps.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Wu Gong is thought to target the Liver and the Lung. In TCM the Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.

Common Applications

Spasms Tetany Convulsions Epilepsy Venomous bites Venomous stings Swollen glands Migraine headaches Rheumatic pains Convulsions in children Lockjaw Opisthotonis Seizures Facial paralysis Sores Scrofula Carbuncles Dizziness Numbness of limbs Tuberculosis Headache

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Wu Gong

Traditional Preparation

Centipedes are captured during the spring and summer seasons. They are immobilized by inserting bamboo strips into their head and tail, then carefully straightened and left to dry.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

1-4g

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Wu Gong

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Wu Gong may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

Related Educational Resources

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