Pinyin: Dilong
Aliases
Earthworm, Mound Earthworm, Earthworm, Cold Earthworm, Earth Dragon, Earthworm.
Source
Earthworm from the Pheretima family (species *Pheretima aspergillum*).Pheretima aspergillum(E. Perrier), and common ring-haired earthworm.Pheretima vulgarisChen, Pheretima aspergillum (William's ring-haired earthworm)Pheretima guillelmi(Michaelsen) or Pheretima pectinifera (Michaelsen).Pheretima pectiniferaMichaelsen’s dried body. The former is commonly called "Guang Dilong," and the latter three are commonly called "Hu Dilong."
Habitat and Distribution
Grows in moist, loose soil or areas rich in organic matter. Found throughout China.
Harvesting and Processing
Guang Dilong is captured from spring to autumn, while Hu Dilong is captured in summer
Chemical Constituents
Contains earthworm luciferin, earthworm antipyretic alkaloid, earthworm toxin, etc.
Pharmacology
It has thrombolytic and anticoagulant effects; has anti-arrhythmic effects, inhibiting cardiac conduction; has partial dilating effects on internal organs' blood vessels, promotes sodium excretion, diuresis, and lowers triglycerides. It has antipyretic, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects; achieves antiasthmatic effects by blocking histamine receptors, relaxes uterine and intestinal smooth muscle, and has rapid spermicidal effects; it has a strong inhibitory effect on human tubercle bacilli.
Properties and Channel Entry
Salty, cold. Enters the Liver, Spleen, and Urinary Bladder channels.
Functions and Indications
Clears Heat, settles fright, unblocks the collaterals, relieves asthma, and promotes diuresis. Used for high fever with clouded spirit, convulsions and spasms from epilepsy, arthralgic pain, numbness of the limbs, hemiplegia, cough and asthma due to Lung Heat, edema with scanty urination.
Dosage and Administration
Internal: decoct 5-10 g in water for oral administration; or grind into powder, 1-2 g per dose; or incorporate into pills or powders; or use fresh product mixed with sugar or salt and dissolved in water. External: apply appropriate amount of fresh product, mashed, or extract juice for topical application; or grind into powder and sprinkle or mix for application.
Precautions and Contraindications
Not suitable for those with Spleen and Stomach deficiency-cold; contraindicated during pregnancy.
Prescriptions
1. For deafness due to Qi obstruction: Dilong (earthworm) and Chuanxiong 15 g each. Grind into powder, take 6 g each dose with Maimendong (Ophiopogon) decoction. After taking, lower the head and lie down to sleep. Take one dose per night for three nights for effect. (Sheng Ji Zong Lu) 2. For injuries from beating: White-necked earthworms, any amount. Remove soil, wash clean, dry over fire, and grind into fine powder. Take 6 g each dose with Cong (scallion) and Shengjiang (ginger) decoction. Cover with clothing and bedding to keep warm; sweating will bring recovery. Also treats gout. (Shang Ke Hui Zuan) 3. For breast abscess (acute mastitis): Dilong 1-2 strips, place with Shengjiang (ginger) in a porcelain mortar, grind into a paste. Apply around the affected area, cover with paper. (Pu Ji Fang) 4. For carbuncle on the back of the neck (duikou chuang), already ulcerated with pus: Diqiu (earthworm), pound finely, mix with cold water and apply externally. Change 3-4 times daily. (Fu Shou Jing Fang) 5. For erysipelas (Dan Du): Medium-sized live Dilong 7 strips, Zi Bei Fu Ping (Spirodela polyrrhiza, duckweed) one bowl. Grind finely and apply externally. (Zhi Zhi Fang) 6. For wind-heat red eyes: Dilong 10 strips (dry-roasted over fire). Pound finely and sift into a powder. At night before sleep, take 6 g with cold tea. (Sheng Hui Fang) 7. For epistaxis (nosebleed): Large earthworms a dozen or more, mash thoroughly, mix with well water to a thin consistency. For mild cases, take the clear liquid; for severe cases, take both the liquid and residue. (Gu Jin Yi Jian) 8. For throat redness and swelling, to prevent tonsillitis: Dilong 7 strips. Soak in boiling water, let cool, remove mud, mix with water chestnut juice and drink. (Hou Ke Jin Yue, Dilong Yin)
