Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Eupolyphaga Steleophaga |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 土鱉蟲 · Tu Bie Chong |
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| Medicinal Part | Zoological substances |
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| Efficacy Category | Blood-activating |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried body of female Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker, Steleophaga plancyi (Boleny).(Eupolyphaga). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Salty; Cold; Slightly toxic |
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| Channels Entered | Liver |
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What Is Tu Bie Chong?
Tu Bie Chong (Ground Beetle) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, Henan, Sichuan.
Nature & Flavour: Salty; Cold; Slightly toxic
Channels Entered: Liver
Tu Bie Chong: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Eupolyphaga Steleophaga
Botanical Origin
The dried body of female Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker, Steleophaga plancyi (Boleny).(Eupolyphaga).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, Henan, Sichuan.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has intact, fat body and purplish-brown color.
Macroscopic Features
Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker: Flat oval shape, 1.3~3cm long, 1.2~2.4cm wide. Front end is relatively narrow, back end is relatively wide, back side is purplish-brown, lustrous, without wings. Front thorax shell is relatively developed, covers the head; abdomen shell has 9 joints, tile-like arrangement. Front side is reddish-brown; head is relatively small, with one pair of fusiform antennae that often falls off; 3 pairs of legs at the thorax, with thin hairs and spines. Abdomen has horizontal ring joints. Loose texture, easily broken, fishy odor, slightly salty taste. Steleophaga plancyi : 2.2~3.7cm long, 1.4~2.5cm wide. Back side is black-brown, often has pale yellowish-brown spotted lump and black small spots on the edge.
Traditional TCM Properties
Salty; Cold; Slightly toxicLiver
Traditional Functions
Breaks blood and expels stasis, and continues tendons and joins bone.
How Tu Bie Chong Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Tu Bie Chong is classified among the Blood-activating 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.
