Di Long - Earthworm

TCM Materia Medica

Di Long TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "di long" which in english is "earthworm", is categorized within the "herbs that extinguish wind and stop tremors" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the liver, lung, spleen and urinary bladder channels and exhibits cold (han) and salty (xian) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 4.5-12g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Drains liver heat, stops spasms an convulsions - high fever with convulsions and seizures.
  • Clears lung heat - wheezing.
  • Clears heat in the channels and promotes movement - swollen, painful joints with limited range of motion, sequelae of wind-stroke.
  • Clears heat and promotes urination - hot painful urinary dysfunction, edema.
  • Hypertension associated with liver yang rising.

While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, di long is generally included in the following 4 formulas:

ViewBu Yang Huan Wu Tang Wan (Great Yang Restoration Pills)

Fatigue, weakness, with pale complexion due to chronic qi and blood deficiency. Hemiplegia, slurred speech or involuntary muscle control due to blockage of the channels and collaterals.

ViewBu Yang Huan Wu Wan (Tonify Yang To Restore Five Tenths Decoction)

Post-stroke recovery when stasis is from qi and yang deficiency - post-stroke symptoms, paralysis, atrophy of the limbs, drooling, slurred speech, etc.  Other potential uses with the correct underly…

ViewShen Tong Zhu Yu Wan (Remove Stagnant Blood from a Painful Body Pills)

Qi and Blood stagnation blocking the channels and collaterals - pain in the extremities, shoulder pain, elbow pain, leg pain. With the right underlying patterns - possibly useful for fibromyalgia, c…

ViewXiao Huo Luo Wan (Minor Invigorate Channels Pills)

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As noted above, di long is within the herbs that extinguish wind and stop tremors functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... for internal wind. results from liver and kidney imbalances - yin deficiency, ascendant liver yang, blood deficiency, high fevers. symptoms: headache, dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, irritability, vomiting, palpitations with anxiety…)".

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