Squirrel
Aliases：Lì Shǔ (literally "Chestnut Rat") and Huī Shǔ (literally "Grey Rat"). (These are alternative names for Sōng Shǔ, i.e., the squirrel Sciurus vulgaris.)
Sōng Shǔ (Squirrel) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the whole body of the squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Linnaeus, a member of the family Sciuridae, with the internal organs removed. It was first recorded in Yilin Zuanyao (Compendium of Medical Classics).
Efficacy & Actions
Regulates qi and menstruation, kills parasites, and resolves food stagnation.
Indications
Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, pulmonary tuberculosis, pleurisy, infantile malnutrition (gan accumulation), and hemorrhoids (fistula).
Modern Pharmacology
Traditional applications suggest that it has the effects of regulating qi and menstruation, and killing parasites to resolve food stagnation.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: bake until charred and grind into powder, 5–10 g. For topical application: apply an appropriate amount of the charred powder to the affected area.
Selected Formulas
For menstrual irregularities (empirical formula) Take one squirrel, burn it black, and grind into powder. Take 5g each time, twice daily. For pulmonary tuberculosis and pleurisy (empirical formula) Take a squirrel, burn it black, and grind into powder. Take 2–9g daily in 3 divided doses. For hemorrhoids (empirical formula) Take a squirrel, burn it black, grind into fine powder, and sprinkle over the affected area.
Medicinal Parts
It is the whole body of the squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Linnaeus, a member of the family Sciuridae, with the internal organs removed.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
