Wiseman’s Chinese Medical Database

qí shé / 蕲蛇 / 蘄蛇 / agkistrodon

Latin pharmacognostic name: Agkistrodon

Alternate English names:

Alternate Chinese names:

Origin: Animal

Use: medicinal

Category: Wind-damp–dispelling agents / Wind-cold-damp–dispelling agents

Properties: Sweet, salty; warm; toxic

Channel entry: liver channel.

Indications:

• Dispels wind, frees the network vessels, and attacks toxin: Wind-damp impediment (fēng shī bì) pain; numbness and tingling; paralysis; itchy skin.
• Settles fright and relieves tetany: Lockjaw; fright wind.

  Dosage & Method:

  Oral: Decoct 3–10g, or 1–1.5g as a powder. Can also be used in medicinal wine.

  Warning:

  Use with care in yīn vacuity and blood dryness and blood vacuity engendering wind.

  See also:

  bái huā shé (白花蛇 Bungarus seu Agkistrodon , krait/agkistrodon)