斑蝥

Ban Mao

Name

Ban Mao (Large Blister Beetle)

Property

Pungent, hot, strong toxic; liver, stomach and kidney meridians entered.

Actions

Counteract toxic pathogen and dispel stasis.

Indications

External application for boils, facial paralysis，stubborn tinea, tonsillitis, and oral administration is for scrofula.

Dosage and administration

0.03~0.06 g for pill or powder after processing. Proper dosage is for external application, pounded into powder or soaked in wine or vinegar. For external application, it's not suitable for a large scale use when processed into plaster.

Cations

It is contraindicated to weak people and pregnant women. Because of its strong toxicity, it should be used cautiously when taken orally.