Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Scorpio |
|---|
| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 全蠍 · Quan Xie |
|---|
| Medicinal Part | Zoological substances |
|---|
| Efficacy Category | Wind-extinguishing |
|---|
| Botanical Origin | The dried body of Buthus martensii Karsch.(Buthidae). Harvest from late spring until early autumn, cleaned of dirt, placed into boiling water or salted boiling water. Boiled until the whole body becomes stiff, and then scooped out and placed in a well-ventilated area and dried in the dark. |
|---|
| Nature & Flavour | Acrid; Neutral; Toxic |
|---|
| Channels Entered | Liver |
|---|
What Is Quan Xie?
Quan Xie (Scorpion) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Henan, Shandong.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid; Neutral; Toxic
Channels Entered: Liver
Quan Xie: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Scorpio
Botanical Origin
The dried body of Buthus martensii Karsch.(Buthidae). Harvest from late spring until early autumn, cleaned of dirt, placed into boiling water or salted boiling water. Boiled until the whole body becomes stiff, and then scooped out and placed in a well-ventilated area and dried in the dark.
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Henan, Shandong.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is large, fat and strong, with entire tail, unbroken, lack of foreign matter in abdomen.
Macroscopic Features
Head and thorax and front side is flat long oval shape, back ventral side is tail-like, wrinkled, intact body is about 6cm long. Head and thorax is greenish-brown, front side has one pair of short chelicerae and one relatively long and large pincers, similar to crab’s chala, back side has trapezoid dorsal carapax, ventral side has 4 pairs of legs, all have 7 segments, last segments have 2 hooks; front dorsal side has 7 segments, 7th segment has a hooked poisonous stinger, no spur below the stinger. Slightly fishy odor, salty taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid; Neutral; ToxicLiver
Traditional Functions
Extinguishes wind and subdues spasms, unblocks collaterals and stops pain, attacks toxin and dissipates nodules.
How Quan Xie Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Quan Xie is classified among the Wind-extinguishing herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
