Medicinals
lóu gū / 蝼蛄 / 螻蛄 / mole cricket
Latin pharmacognostic name: Gryllotalpa
Alternate English names:
Alternate Chinese names: 蛇蝼 shé lóu
Origin: Plant
Use: medicinal
Category: Water-disinhibiting dampness-percolating agents / Water-disinhibiting swelling-dispersing agents
Properties: Salty; cold.
Channel entry: bladder channels.
Indications:
Disinhibits water and disperses swelling; frees the stool.
water swelling; stone strangury; dribbling urinary block and inhibited urination. Also treats scrofula; swollen welling-abscesses (yōng zhǒng) and malign sores.
Dosage & Method:
Oral: Decoct (9–30g) or use in powders. Topical: Grind raw bean and apply mixed.
Quality:
Dry, undamaged insects without earth or other extraneous matter are the best.
Product Area:
Jiāngsū, Zhèjiāng, Shāndōng, Héběi, ānhuī, Liáoníng.