Therapeutic Effects and Functions of Bombyx Batryticatus

Silkworm feces (Cansha) is a relatively rare substance; thus, most people in daily life are not particularly familiar with its therapeutic properties. So, what are the efficacy and functions of silkworm feces?

Efficacy and Functions of Silkworm Feces

Silkworm feces possesses the properties of dispelling wind-dampness and resolving dampness in the stomach and spleen. It is primarily used to treat rheumatic arthralgia. This herb is acrid and sweet in flavor, and dispersing in nature; it effectively dispels wind-dampness, dries dampness, regulates Qi flow, and resolves dampness. Additionally, it relaxes the sinews and activates the collaterals, making it suitable for treating various types of joint pain, vomiting and diarrhea, and muscle spasms.

This herb enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians and helps resolve dampness within the stomach. After eliminating dampness, it can arrest diarrhea and relax the sinews and vessels. It may also be used to treat urticaria and eczema, owing to its ability to dispel wind-dampness and relieve itching. The medicinal part of silkworm feces consists of the excrement of silkworm larvae, collected between June and August—primarily from the second and third molting periods. After collection, it is sun-dried and purified by removing soil, mulberry leaf fragments, and other impurities. Silkworm feces is typically used raw.

Silkworm feces is densely covered with white scales. Its body length measures 1.6–2.3 cm, and its wingspan ranges from 3.9–4.3 cm. The head is relatively small, with one pair of black, semicircular compound eyes. The mouthparts are rudimentary, and the labium is markedly reduced. One pair of feathery antennae is present, thick at the base and tapering toward the tip: in females, the antennae are grayish-white and shorter; in males, they are black and longer than those of females. The prothorax and mesothorax are uniform in appearance, bearing two pairs of wings entirely covered with white scales. Although silkworm feces offers numerous therapeutic benefits, it must be used strictly under medical supervision. We hope this information proves helpful to you!