What are the effects and benefits of僵蚕 (stiff silkworm)?

Bombyx batryticatus is a traditional Chinese medicinal material, which refers to the dried body of the 4th- to 5th-instar larvae of the domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori, family Bombycidae) that have died due to infection or artificial inoculation with the fungus *Beauveria bassiana* before spinning silk. It has various therapeutic effects, including calming liver wind and stopping convulsions, expelling wind and relieving pain, resolving phlegm and dispersing nodules, treating facial paralysis with deviation of the mouth and eyes, and managing scrofula and phlegm nodules. Specific details are as follows:

1. Calming Liver Wind and Stopping Convulsions: Bombyx batryticatus is used to treat convulsive disorders such as infantile convulsions and epilepsy. It exerts a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce or even stop seizure episodes.

2. Expelling Wind and Relieving Pain: Bombyx batryticatus is widely used for various pain symptoms caused by external wind pathogens, such as wind-induced headaches and rheumatic pain. It helps alleviate pain, particularly pain resulting from wind pathogens invading the meridians.

3. Resolving Phlegm and Dissipating Nodules: Bombyx batryticatus is used for conditions involving phlegm accumulation and qi stagnation. It helps regulate qi flow, promote phlegm expulsion, and relieve discomfort caused by phlegm nodules.

4. Treating Facial Paralysis with Deviation of Mouth and Eyes: Bombyx batryticatus can be used to treat facial paralysis characterized by deviation of the mouth and eyes caused by invasion of wind pathogens. Its wind-dispelling and pain-relieving effects help alleviate associated neurological symptoms.

5. Treating Scrofula and Phlegm Nodules: Bombyx batryticatus is also used in the treatment of scrofula (lymph node inflammation) and phlegm nodules (nodules caused by scrofula). Its actions of dispelling wind and resolving phlegm help relieve symptoms of these conditions.

It should be noted that as a traditional Chinese medicine, Bombyx batryticatus must be used under the guidance of a physician or licensed practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine to ensure safety and efficacy. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when experiencing discomfort and to follow standardized treatments under professional supervision, which facilitates recovery.