What are the medicinal properties and uses of ants?

Generally, the medicinal properties of ants include anti-inflammatory and swelling-reducing effects, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, treating rheumatoid arthritis, enhancing immunity, and antioxidant activity. Methods of use include grinding into powder, combining with other medicines, preparing as decoctions, soaking in alcohol, or mixing with honey for oral administration. These should be used appropriately under medical guidance. A detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Medicinal Effects

1. Anti-inflammatory and Swelling Reduction: Ants possess certain anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to alleviate pain and swelling caused by inflammation.

2. Promoting Blood Circulation and Removing Blood Stasis: Ants help promote blood flow and resolve blood stasis, thereby improving circulation and relieving symptoms caused by stagnated blood, such as bruising and pain.

3. Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis: Some traditional herbal formulas containing ants are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, which may be related to the anti-inflammatory and blood-activating properties of ants.

4. Enhancing Immunity: Ants can enhance immune function, helping to improve the body's resistance to diseases.

5. Antioxidant Activity: Ants contain certain components with antioxidant effects, which help slow down cellular aging and protect against damage from free radicals.

II. Methods of Use

1. Grinding into Powder: Ant bodies are often ground into powder and applied externally to improve blood circulation and relieve pain and swelling, especially in cases of muscle soreness, blood stasis, or arthritis.

2. Combined with Other Medicines: Ants can be mixed with other herbs to make medicinal ointments for treating skin conditions such as bruises, acne, and eczema. This helps reduce pain, swelling, and accelerate wound healing.

3. Preparing as Decoctions: Ants are sometimes used to prepare medicinal soups or decoctions. These are beneficial for improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and boosting immune system function.

4. Soaking in Alcohol: Soaking ants in alcohol may help alleviate conditions such as kidney deficiency and erectile dysfunction.

5. Mixing with Honey for Oral Administration: Ants mixed with honey for consumption may exert anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

Medicinal use of ants should be carried out under a doctor’s supervision to ensure proper application and avoid adverse effects due to misuse. If any discomfort occurs, immediate medical attention is recommended.