蠶沙

Silkworm excrement (Cansha)

Pharmaceutical Name: Excrementum Bombycis mori

Zoological Name: Bombys mori L.

Common Name: Silkworm excrement

Source of Earliest Record: Mingyi Bielu

Part Used: Silkworm excrement is collected from June to August, then dried in the sun.

Natural Properties & Taste: Pungent, sweet and warm

Meridians: Liver, spleen and stomach

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To dispel wind and dampness.

2. To harmonize the stomach and transform dampness.

Indications:
1. Damp-heat obstruction syndrome. Silkworm excrement (Cansha) is used with Tetrandra root (Fangji), Coix seed (Yiyiren) and Talc (Huashi) in the formula Xuanbi Tang.

2. Eczema. The decoction of the herb is used for external washing.

3. Turbid dampness blocking the spleen and stomach manifested as vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and abdominal pain. Silkworm excrement (Cansha) is used with Scutellaria root (Huangqin), Chaenomeles fruit (Mugua) and Evodia fruit (Wuzhuyu) in the formula Canshi Tang.

Dosage: 5-10 g