Pinyin: Sangpiaoxiao
Aliases
Sangxiao, Piaoxiao, Hou'erbao.
Source
1. Longlang family insect, the Chinese mantis.Tenodera sinensisSaussure. or giant axe mantisHierodula patellifera(Serville) dried egg capsule.
Distribution
Produced in most regions nationwide.
Harvesting and Processing
Collect the egg cases from the trees annually from autumn to the following spring, steam for 30-40 minutes to kill the eggs inside, then sun-dry or oven-dry.
Medicinal Properties
1. Tuánpiāoxiāo (egg case of Tenodera sinensis): Slightly cylindrical or semi-circular in shape, composed of numerous membranous thin layers stacked together, 2.5-4 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. The surface is light yellowish-brown, with an indistinct raised ridge on the upper side and a flat base or grooved underside. Light in weight, loose and tough in texture. The cross-section reveals a sponge-like outer layer and numerous radially arranged small chambers inside, each containing one small elliptical egg, dark brown and glossy. The odor is slightly fishy, and the taste is bland or slightly salty.
2. Black Mantis Egg-Case (egg case of Tenodera sinensis): slightly rhomboid in shape, 2-4 cm long and 1.5-2 cm wide. Surface grayish-brown, with a distinct band-like ridge on the upper side, oblique striations on both sides, and the tail end slightly upturned. Texture hard and tough.
Chemical Constituents
This product mainly contains protein and fat, with calcium citrate crystals on the protein membrane attached to the oocyst, and yolk spheres containing glycoprotein and lipoprotein.
Properties and Channel Entry
Sweet, salty, and neutral in nature. Enters the Liver and Kidney channels.
Functions and Indications
Consolidates essence and reduces urination, tonifies the Kidney and assists Yang. Used for nocturnal emission and spermatorrhea, enuresis and frequent urination, and turbid urine.
Dosage and Administration
Oral: decoct in water, 5-10 g; grind into powder, 3-5 g; or prepare as pills. External use: appropriate amount, grind into powder and sprinkle or mix with oil for application.
Prescriptions
1. For spermatorrhea with turbid urine, night sweats, and consumptive fatigue: *Sangpiaoxiao* (roasted) and *Bailonggu*, equal parts. Grind into fine powder. Take 6 g per dose, on an empty stomach, with salt water. (From *Bencao Gangmu*, citing *Waitai Miyao*) 2. For persistent seminal emission: *Sangpiaoxiao* 90 g (dried over fire), *Longgu* 60 g, *Baifuling* 30 g. Grind the above into powder, mix with rice paste to form pills the size of *wutong* seeds. Take 50 pills per dose, with a decoction of *Fuling* and salt water, before meals. (From *Puji Fang*, Suoyang Dan) 3. For consumptive fatigue with nocturnal emission: *Sangpiaoxiao* (slightly stir-fried) 30 g, *Jiuzi* (slightly stir-fried) 60 g. Grind into powder. Take 6 g per dose, on an empty stomach, with warm wine. (From *Gujin Yitong*, Sangpiaoxiao San) 4. For frequent urination during pregnancy: *Sangpiaoxiao* 12 pieces. Pound into powder. Divide into two doses, take with rice water. (From *Chanshu Fang*) 5. For postpartum urinary incontinence: a. *Sangpiaoxiao* (stir-fried) 15 g, *Longgu* 30 g. Grind into fine powder. Take 6 g with congee water before meals. (From *Furen Liangfang*) b. *Sangpiaoxiao* (steamed and dried) 12 g, *Longgu* (calcined) and *Muli* (calcined) 18 g each. Grind into powder. Take 9 g with water. (From *Xianxi Danfang Xuan*) 6. For deficiency-cold in women with frequent urination: *Sangpiaoxiao* (stir-fried) 30 pieces, *Lurong*, *Muli* powder, and *Gancao* 60 g each, *Huangqi* 15 g. Grind into powder. Take 3 g with ginger water before meals. (From *Furen Liangfang*, Sangpiaoxiao San) 7. To tonify heart Qi, calm the spirit, stabilize the mind, treat forgetfulness, and frequent urination: *Sangpiaoxiao*, *Yuanzhi*, *Changpu*, *Longgu*, *Renshen*, *Fushen*, *Danggui*, *Guijia* (vinegar-fried) 30 g each. Grind into powder. Take 6 g with *Renshen* decoction at bedtime. (From *Bencao Yanyi*, Sangpiaoxiao San) 8. For urinary retention: *Sangpiaoxiao* 30 pieces, *Huangqin* 30 g. Decoct the two ingredients in 1 *sheng* of water, reduce to 4 *he*, and take in a single dose. (From *Yixin Fang*, citing *Xiaopin Fang* Yun Jie San)
