What are the effects and functions of the earthworm (Pheretima)?
The ground beetle (Eupolyphaga seu Steleophaga) is the dried body of the female insect of the family Polyphagidae, including species such as Eupolyphaga sinensis or Steleophaga plancyi. It has a salty taste and cold nature, is slightly toxic, and is associated with the liver meridian. Its main functions and effects include promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, promoting bone and tendon healing, reducing swelling and relieving pain, regulating blood lipids, and protecting the kidneys. Detailed functions are as follows:
1. Promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis: The ground beetle activates blood circulation, disperses blood stasis, and unblocks meridians, thereby promoting the absorption of hematomas and alleviating symptoms caused by blood stasis. It is commonly used to treat amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, postpartum blood stasis, abdominal pain, and other related conditions.
2. Promoting bone and tendon healing: The ground beetle has a penetrating nature and can increase the activity and number of osteoblasts, thus facilitating the healing of bone tissue after fractures. It is used to treat traumatic injuries, tendon and bone injuries, fractures, and pain caused by blood stasis and swelling.
3. Reducing swelling and relieving pain: With its cold nature, the ground beetle can cool the blood and reduce swelling, making it suitable for treating bruises, injuries, and associated pain.
4. Regulating blood lipids: The ground beetle helps lower blood lipid levels and may aid in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
5. Protecting the kidneys: Research suggests that the ground beetle may have therapeutic effects in delaying the onset and progression of polycystic kidney disease.
In daily use, it should be taken according to medical advice to avoid adverse effects caused by excessive or improper use. Pregnant women and individuals with allergic constitutions should use it with caution.