Individual Herbs Notebook

Wu Gong

Pharmaceutical: Scolopendrae
Taxonomy: Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans

Other names: Centipede

Category: Substances that Extinguish Wind and Stop Tremors



Properties: Pungent, warm, toxic

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Extinguishes Wind and stops spasms and convulsions
    Liver Wind with acute and chronic childhood convulsions, opisthotonis, lockjaw and seizures Facial paralysis due to Wind
  2. Attacks and relieves Fire toxins, relieves abdominal masses and dissipates nodules
    Toxic nodules including sores, carbuncles and neck lumps Chuang Yung (topical)
    Cancer
    Snake bites
    Internally for Gu Sydnrome (Fruehauf, 1998)
  3. Unblocks the collaterals and stops pain
    Stubborn headaches including migraines Bipain

Suggested Daily Dosage: 1-3g in decoction.


Cautions: It is toxic, so it should not be used in large dose. It is contraindicated for pregnant women.

Animal products are prohibited from use in the UK under the Medicines Act 1968 ch. 67 which restricts herbalists to the use of plant products only. It is generally substituted with Gou Teng and Tian Nan Xing.


Notes: The Centipede Pearl (蜈蚣珠) is a small red bead said to be formed on the head or tail of a centipede and carries great power in magical circles. As well as attracting luck, especially in money and gambling, it is able to counter harmful snake and dragon energy. Usually kept in a glass vial for this purpose.


Appears in 2 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
Research Links & References: (click to display)