Herb

Quan Xie

Scorpions | 全蝎

Also known as:

Quán Chóng (全虫) , Xiē Zi (蝎子) , Xiē Wěi (蝎尾 / Scorpion tail)

Quan Xie

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Properties

Liver-calming and Wind-extinguishing herbs (平肝息风药) · Neutral

Traditionally supports*

Neurological Health Pain Management Joint and Muscle Health Skin Conditions

Parts Used

Animal — whole (全虫 quán chóng)

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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About This Herb

Traditional Chinese Medicine background and properties

Herb Description

Scorpion is a powerful animal-based substance in Chinese medicine, prized for its ability to stop spasms, relieve stubborn pain, and break up toxic swellings. It is most commonly used for seizure disorders, severe headaches, facial paralysis, and chronic joint pain that has not responded to gentler treatments. Because it is toxic, it is always used in small doses under professional guidance.

Herb Category

Liver-calming and Wind-extinguishing herbs (平肝息风药) Wind-extinguishing and spasm-relieving herbs (息风止痉药)

Main Actions

  • Extinguishes Wind and Stops Spasms
  • Unblocks the Channels and Alleviates Pain
  • Resolves Toxicity and Dissipates Nodules

How These Actions Work

'Extinguishes Wind and stops tremors' is Quan Xie's primary action. In TCM, internal Wind is a Liver-related pathology that manifests as spasms, convulsions, tremors, and seizures. Quan Xie enters the Liver channel and has a powerful antispasmodic effect, making it one of the most important substances for calming these involuntary movements. It is used for childhood convulsions (both acute and chronic), epileptic seizures, tetanus with opisthotonos (severe backward arching of the body), facial twitching, and tremors. Because it is neutral in temperature, it can be used in both Heat-type and Cold-type Wind patterns, unlike Wu Gong (centipede), which is warm and better suited for Cold patterns.

'Unblocks the collaterals and stops pain' refers to Quan Xie's ability to penetrate deeply into the body's network vessels (collaterals) and relieve obstruction. This makes it especially effective for stubborn, treatment-resistant pain conditions: severe migraines and one-sided headaches, post-stroke symptoms like facial paralysis and hemiplegia (half-body paralysis), and chronic joint pain from Wind-Damp obstruction that has failed to respond to milder treatments. The classical literature describes scorpion as having a "searching and penetrating" nature that reaches into the bones and sinews.

'Attacks toxin and dissipates nodules' reflects the TCM principle of "using toxin to attack toxin." Quan Xie itself is toxic, and this very toxicity gives it the power to break up toxic accumulations such as scrofula (lymph node swellings), abscesses, and toxic sores. For these conditions, it is often applied externally as a paste or ointment, frequently combined with beeswax and sesame oil.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony that reveal what's out of balance in the body. Quan Xie is traditionally associated with these specific patterns.

The following describes this herb's classification within Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and is provided for educational purposes only.

Why Quan Xie addresses this pattern

Quan Xie is one of the foremost substances for addressing Liver Wind. When internal Wind stirs (whether from extreme Heat, Liver Yang rising out of control, or Blood/Yin Deficiency failing to anchor the Liver), it causes involuntary movements such as spasms, convulsions, and tremors. Quan Xie enters the Liver channel directly and has an exceptionally strong antispasmodic action. Its neutral temperature means it does not add Heat or Cold, making it versatile across both excess-Heat and deficiency-type Wind presentations. Its pungent taste enables it to disperse and move, while its salty taste softens and penetrates into the deeper network vessels.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Convulsions

Especially childhood convulsions, both acute and chronic

Seizures

Epileptic seizures with loss of consciousness and limb jerking

Tremors

Involuntary shaking or twitching of the limbs or face

Muscle Spasm

Opisthotonos, tetanic spasms, or muscle rigidity

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn), Salty (咸 xián)

Channels Entered
Liver
Parts Used

Animal — whole (全虫 quán chóng)

This is partial information on the herb's TCM properties. More detailed information is available on the herb's dedicated page

Product Details

Manufacturing, supplier, and product specifications

Product Type

Granules

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Botanical & Sourcing

Quality Indicators

Good quality Quan Xie should be complete and intact with all eight legs, both pincers, and the tail with its stinger clearly present. The body should be stiff, firm, and straight (not curled or broken). The back should show a greenish-brown colour, while the tail segments are yellowish-brown. The tail tip (stinger bulb) should be golden-yellow. The body should feel light and slightly crisp. A slightly fishy smell and salty taste are normal. When the tail segment is broken, it should be hollow inside. Good specimens are compact and small in form, as noted by the classical standard 'firm and small ones are superior' (形紧小者良). Avoid specimens that are heavily covered in salt frost (a sign of excessive salt processing used to increase weight), those with a dark or blackened colour, broken or incomplete bodies, or those with excessive dirt or foreign material in the abdomen. 'Unsalted scorpions' (淡全蝎) are preferred for medicinal use as they contain less added salt.

Primary Growing Regions

Shandong province is the most renowned source of high-quality Quan Xie (道地药材), particularly the Yimeng Mountain region (沂蒙山区) including Yiyuan, Yishui, Mengyin, Linqu, and Pingyi counties. Shandong scorpions are prized for their large, complete bodies, firm texture, and greenish colour, and historically account for about one-third of national production. The scorpion venom from Yiyuan has been verified as the most potent in China. Other major producing regions include Henan (the Luoyang area is China's largest trading hub for scorpions), Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Liaoning, Gansu, Ningxia, and Inner Mongolia. Henan produces the largest volume overall. Smaller quantities come from Jiangsu, Anhui, and Hubei.

Harvesting Season

Late spring to early autumn (approximately May to September). 'Spring scorpions' (春蝎) caught around Qingming to Guyu (April) are considered highest quality as they have not yet ingested soil. 'Summer scorpions' (伏蝎) are caught in larger quantities during the hottest months (July-August).

Supplier Information

Treasure of the East

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Usage & Safety

How to use this herb and important safety information

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This herb is a dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

Recommended Dosage

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Instructions for safe storage and consumption

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Traditional Dosage Reference

Standard

3-6g (decoction); 0.6-1g (powder for internal use)

Maximum

Do not exceed 6g in decoction or 1g in powder form per dose without practitioner supervision. Higher doses significantly increase the risk of neurotoxic adverse effects.

Notes

When used in decoction, the standard range is 3-6g. However, because the active venom proteins are partly degraded by prolonged boiling, many practitioners prefer administering Quan Xie as a ground powder (研末) taken with warm water, at 0.6-1g per dose. The powder form is considered more potent gram-for-gram than decoction. The tail segment (蝎梢/蝎尾) is more concentrated in venom and is considered more potent. When using tails only, the dose should be approximately one-third of the whole scorpion dose (typically 1-3 tails). For stubborn headaches, 1-2g powder taken with warm wine is a classical approach. For convulsions and spasms, it is commonly combined with Wu Gong (centipede) in the formula Zhi Jing San (止痉散). Salted scorpions should have the salt washed off before use to reduce the salty burden and improve therapeutic action.

Processing Methods

Processing method

After capture, scorpions are soaked in salt water (approximately 300g salt per 1kg of scorpions), then boiled in the salt solution until the bodies become rigid. They are removed and air-dried in a ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Before clinical use, the salt is typically washed off by soaking in clean water.

How it changes properties

Salt processing is primarily a preservation method rather than a therapeutic modification. It prevents decay and facilitates storage. However, the residual salt can increase the effective weight (making dosing inaccurate) and adds an unpleasant salty taste to decoctions. The salt must be washed off before use to ensure accurate dosing and avoid excessive sodium intake. The core medicinal properties remain largely unchanged.

When to use this form

This is the most common commercial form due to its superior shelf life. However, when precise dosing is important (as it always is with this toxic substance), the salt should be carefully washed off and the scorpion re-dried before dispensing. Pharmacies sometimes further process by light stir-frying after desalting.

Toxicity Classification

Toxic

The toxic components of Quan Xie are neurotoxic proteins (scorpion venom toxins, or 'xie du su') concentrated in the venom gland within the tail segment. These proteins are pharmacologically similar to snake neurotoxins. The venom of the tail alone is approximately six times more toxic than that of the whole body. The crude venom LD50 in mice is approximately 2.4 mg/kg (intraperitoneal). Toxicity symptoms include: skin allergic reactions with itching, numbness and paralysis of the limbs, kidney damage, respiratory paralysis, cardiac arrhythmia (slowed heart rate, blood pressure changes), and convulsions. Severe poisoning can be fatal due to respiratory arrest. Proper processing dramatically reduces toxicity. Traditional methods include salt-water boiling (the standard processing method), roasting, stir-frying, wine washing, and alum processing. These heat-based methods denature the toxic venom proteins, reducing their biological activity while preserving therapeutic effects. Clinical use at standard dosages (3-6g decoction, or 0.6-1g powder) after proper processing carries manageable risk. Mild oral poisoning usually resolves upon discontinuation.

Contraindications

Avoid

Pregnancy. Scorpion venom has documented teratogenic effects, including delayed or absent ossification centers and skeletal abnormalities in fetal development. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia explicitly states that pregnant women are prohibited from using Quan Xie.

Avoid

Blood deficiency generating internal wind (Yin deficiency or Blood deficiency patterns mimicking true Liver Wind). Quan Xie treats true Wind and should not be used when spasms or tremors arise from pure deficiency without genuine Wind pathology. Classical texts warn against use in '类中风' (stroke-like conditions from deficiency) and 'chronic Spleen Wind from deficiency'.

Avoid

Overdose or prolonged unsupervised use. Scorpion venom contains neurotoxic proteins that can cause skin allergic reactions, limb numbness or paralysis, kidney damage, respiratory paralysis, and cardiac arrhythmia. Strict dosage control is essential.

Caution

Patients with significant liver or kidney impairment. The toxic protein components of scorpion venom require hepatic and renal clearance. Impaired organ function increases the risk of toxin accumulation.

Caution

Patients with known allergy to scorpion products. Allergic reactions including skin rash, itching, and anaphylaxis have been reported.

Caution

Use with caution in patients with Yin deficiency, as the herb's acrid, Wind-dispersing nature may further consume Yin fluids.

Classical Incompatibilities

Quan Xie does not appear on the classical Eighteen Incompatibilities (十八反) or Nineteen Mutual Fears (十九畏) lists. However, classical texts note that snail (蜗牛) counteracts scorpion venom externally (applying snail mucus relieves scorpion stings), suggesting a traditional recognition of antagonism.

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Contraindicated. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia explicitly prohibits use during pregnancy (孕妇禁用). Scorpion venom has documented teratogenic effects in animal studies, causing delayed or absent ossification centers in the fetus and resulting in skeletal abnormalities. The neurotoxic venom proteins can also cause uterine stimulation. There is no safe dosage established for pregnant women.

Breastfeeding

Caution advised. There is insufficient safety data on Quan Xie during breastfeeding. Given that scorpion venom contains neurotoxic proteins and other biologically active compounds, there is a theoretical risk of transfer through breast milk. The herb should only be used during lactation when clearly necessary and under practitioner supervision, at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.

Pediatric Use

Quan Xie has a long historical tradition of use in pediatric conditions, particularly childhood convulsions (小儿惊风) and infantile umbilical Wind. However, it must be used with extreme caution in children due to its toxicity. Dosage should be significantly reduced according to age and body weight. For children under 2 years, classical texts suggest doses as small as 0.1-0.3g of the powdered form per dose. Children are more susceptible to scorpion venom toxicity than adults. Use should be strictly supervised by an experienced practitioner and limited to the shortest effective course. Store all scorpion products safely out of children's reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

Drug Interactions

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications: Quan Xie has demonstrated effects on thrombus formation and cardiovascular function in animal studies. Concurrent use with anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin) or antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidogrel) may theoretically increase bleeding risk. Monitor closely if co-administered.

Antihypertensive medications: Pharmacological studies have shown that scorpion preparations produce significant and sustained blood pressure reduction through vasodilation, cardiac suppression, and inhibition of the vasomotor centre. Combined use with antihypertensive drugs may potentiate hypotensive effects.

Antiepileptic drugs: Scorpion venom peptides modulate voltage-gated sodium channels, which is also the mechanism of several conventional antiepileptic drugs (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin). Unpredictable interactions affecting seizure threshold are theoretically possible.

Sedatives and CNS depressants: Quan Xie has demonstrated sedative effects in animal studies. Additive central nervous system depression may occur when combined with benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or opioids.

Dietary Advice

Avoid cold, raw foods during a course of Quan Xie treatment, as these may impair Spleen function and hinder the body's ability to process the herb's toxicity. Warm, easily digestible foods are preferred. Classical texts suggest vinegar as a beneficial pairing agent, as vinegar enters the Liver channel (matching Quan Xie's channel tropism) and historically was used to wash off excess salt. Alcohol in moderation may serve as a vehicle to enhance the herb's circulation through the channels, which is why many classical formulas call for taking scorpion powder with warm wine.

Cautions & Warnings

Although this herb is typically safe for most individuals, it may cause side effects in some people. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, postpartum women, and those with liver disease should use the formula with caution.

As with any Chinese herbal remedy, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner before beginning treatment.