虻蟲
Gadfly (Mengchong)
Pharmaceutical Name: Tabanus
Zoological Name: Tabanus bivittatus Mats.
Common Name: Gadfly
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing
Part Used: The female gadfly is caught in May or June. It is boiled or steamed, and then dried in the sun.
Natural Properties & Taste: Bitter, slightly cold and slightly toxic
Meridians: Liver
Therapeutic Effects:
To invigorate blood and remove stagnation.
Indications & Combinations:
1. Amenorrhea or abdominal and epigastric masses caused by blood stagnation. Gadfly (Mengchong) is used with Leech (Shuizhi), Cockroach (Chechong), Peach seed (Taoren) and Rhubarb (Dahuang) in the formula Dahuang Zhechong Wan.
2. Pain due to external injury. Gadfly (Mengchong) is used with Frankincense (Ruxiang), Myrrh (Moyao) and Peach seed (Taoren).
Dosage: 1-1.5 g. 0.3 g for baked powder
Cautions & Contraindications: This substance is contraindicated during pregnancy.
