Chinese Artichoke
Aliases：ha Rua Zi、Dao Xing Gou Zi、Shui Chong、Sha Gu Niu、Sha Niu、Yi Shi、Jin Sha Niu、Di Gong、Sha Mao
Diguniu (Antlion Larva), a Chinese medicinal, is the larva of Hagenomyia micans (Maclachlan), an insect of the Myrmeleontidae family (antlion family).
Efficacy & Actions
Relieve strangury, interrupt malaria, soften hardness and resolve abdominal masses, and draw out toxin to remove necrotic tissue.
Indications
Sand strangury (urolithiasis / urinary calculi), malaria, malarial splenomegaly (abdominal mass due to chronic malaria), abdominal masses, scrofula (tuberculous lymphadenitis), and non‑healing yin‑type carbuncle (chronic non‑healing cold abscess).
Modern Pharmacology
Jinshaniu (Diguniu / antlion larva) contains long‑chain fatty acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other components. It has antithrombotic, hypoglycemic, analgesic and anti‑inflammatory, immunoenhancing, and tissue repair effects, among others.
Ingredients
Insect source (antlion larva): The core components are long‑chain fatty acids/esters, polypeptides, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which possess significant medicinal value.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 1.5–5 g (or 3–10 individual larvae) ground into powder and taken orally. External use: Appropriate amount, crushed for topical application, or ground into powder for dusting.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy: This product has effects of breaking blood, resolving masses, and unblocking the meridians, which may cause uterine contractions, leading to miscarriage or premature labor. Use with caution in children: Infants, young children, and debilitated children should use it under the guidance of a physician; self‑medication is not recommended. Contraindicated for those with allergic constitution: Allergic individuals may experience rash, itching, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms. Use with caution in those without blood stasis: This product excels at attacking and resolving hard masses. If there are no abdominal masses, stones, or other excess patterns, it should not be taken casually. Use with caution in those with bleeding tendency: It has antiplatelet aggregation and antithrombotic effects. Patients with hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or active gastric ulcer should use it with caution. Use with caution in those with Spleen‑Stomach deficiency cold: Its nature is cold (or neutral). Long‑term use may damage the Spleen and Stomach, causing diarrhea and poor appetite. Avoid overdose and long‑term use: This product is slightly toxic. Overdose or prolonged use may cause adverse reactions in the nervous system or digestive tract.
Selected Formulas
For ulcerated scrofula (tuberculous lymphadenitis with skin breakdown) – from Sheng Cao Yao Xing Bei Yao Crush an appropriate amount of Shaguniu (a local herb or insect) together with borax and a small amount of borneol (Bingpian). Apply the paste to the ulcerated area and cover with a plaster.
Medicinal Parts
larva (dried insect body)
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place.