Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Scolopendra |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 蜈蚣 · Wu Gong |
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| Medicinal Part | Zoological substances |
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| Efficacy Category | Wind-extinguishing |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried body of Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L. Koch. (Scolopendridae). Captured in spring and autumn, bamboo strips are inserted into the head and tail and the body is straightened, then dried. |
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| Nature & Flavour | Acrid; Warm; Toxic |
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| Channels Entered | Liver |
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What Is Wu Gong?
Wu Gong (Centipede) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Hubei, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid; Warm; Toxic
Channels Entered: Liver
Wu Gong: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Scolopendra
Botanical Origin
The dried body of Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L. Koch. (Scolopendridae). Captured in spring and autumn, bamboo strips are inserted into the head and tail and the body is straightened, then dried.
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Hubei, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is dry, with intact body, red head and green body.
Macroscopic Features
Flat and long strip-like, 9~17cm long, 0.5~1cm wide. Whole body has 22 ring joints; last joint is slightly small and thin. Head has 2 dark red ring joints, with one pair of antenna and poison hooks; back is brownish-green or dark green, lustrous, with 2 longitudinal ridges; ventral side is pale yellow or brownish-yellow, wrinkled; each joint has one pair of legs from the second joint growing on the sides, yellow or reddish-brown, curved like hook. Brittle texture, fractured surface has cracks. Slightly fishy odor, distinctive odor and irritating to the nose, acrid and slightly salty taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid; Warm; ToxicLiver
Traditional Functions
Extinguishes wind and subdues spasms, unblocks collaterals and stops pain, attacks toxin and dissipates nodules.
How Wu Gong Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Wu Gong 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.
