Earthworm Mud
Aliases: Earthworm Mud, Six-One Mud (Liu Yi Ni), Earthworm Feces (Dilong Fen).
Properties and Flavor Profile: Sweet, sour, cold, non-toxic.
Medicinal Part: The excrement of earthworms.
Morphological Characteristics: Black, uniform texture, natural earthy smell, finely crushed.
How to Use Earthworm Mud
Internal Use: Typically ground into a fine powder for oral administration or processed into pills.
External Use: Ground into a powder, then mixed into a paste for topical application.
Therapeutic Actions and Main Indications of Earthworm Mud
Main Indications: Historically used for issues like throat discomfort from lodged objects (such as fish bones), bites from snakes and insects, knife wounds, vomiting blood (hematemesis), various ear infections or lesions, erysipelas (a type of skin infection), and difficulty urinating (urinary retention). Research highlights the potential anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of earthworm-derived substances, aligning with its traditional uses for various skin conditions and injuries. PMID: 35914597
Traditional Formulas and Applications of Earthworm Mud
1. Malaria with Prominent Fever: For cases with mild chills but severe fever, earthworm mud is mixed with flour to form small pills, about the size of Wutong (Phoenix Tree) seeds, and then coated with Cinnabar. Take three pills per dose. It's recommended to avoid cold and raw foods. An alternative effective method involves adding Calamus (Shichangpu) powder and a single clove of garlic to earthworm mud before forming the pills. Studies on earthworm components suggest antimicrobial and detoxifying effects, supporting their historical application in treating bites and infections. PMID: 26032128
2. Delirium in Febrile Diseases: To address delirium during febrile illnesses, earthworm mud is mixed with cool water and taken orally.
3. Difficulty Urinating: Combine equal parts of earthworm mud and Mirabilite (Glauber's salt), mix into a paste with water, and apply to the lower abdomen below the navel for prompt relief. Traditional Chinese Medicine literature extensively documents earthworms (Dilong) for their role in dispelling blood stasis, clearing heat, and unblocking collaterals, which encompasses many of the conditions mentioned. PMID: 29551461
4. Infant Regurgitation: Use one liang (approximately 30 grams) of earthworm mud, ground into a fine powder. Administer half a qian (approximately 1.5 grams) on an empty stomach, washed down with rice water. This typically shows effectiveness after two or three doses.
5. Pediatric Scrotal Swelling: Mix earthworm mud with peppermint juice and apply directly to the affected area.
6. Mastitis in Women: Take finely ground and sifted earthworm mud, specifically dug from a leek field, mix with vinegar, and apply a thick layer to the breast. Replace the application as it dries; typically, three applications bring resolution. Alternatively, cool water can be used for mixing.
7. Swollen Glands/Mumps-like Swelling: Mix earthworm mud with cypress leaf juice and apply to the swollen area.
8. All Types of Erysipelas: Prepare by mixing earthworm mud with water and applying it as a poultice to the affected skin.
9. Swollen and Painful Foot Soles: (Often experienced after prolonged standing or extensive walking.) Apply a thick poultice of earthworm mud mixed with water; relief is typically experienced overnight.
10. Chronic Ear Discharge with Lesions: Use earthworm mud that has been burned, mix it with lard, and apply to the affected ear area.
11. Various Ear Infections/Lesions: Grind earthworm mud into a powder and either blow it into the ear canal or apply it directly to ear sores.
12. Gum Erosion (Associated with Infantile Malnutrition): Take earthworm mud, knead it with water into a ball, heat it until it glows red, then grind it into a powder. Mix this powder with aged lard and apply to the gums three times a day.
13. Throat Discomfort from Lodged Objects: Retrieve a small amount of earthworm mud from a leek field. Gently rub it on the outside of the throat, and the lodged object is believed to naturally dissipate.
14. Centipede Stings: Apply earthworm mud directly to the sting site.
15. Severe Cuts: For severe knife wounds, ingest a small cup of earthworm mud orally, three times a day. (Note: Internal consumption of earthworm mud should only be attempted under the guidance of a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.)
16. Unstoppable Vomiting Blood: Collect earthworm mud from beneath a pomegranate root, grind it into a powder, and take three qian (approximately 9 grams) per dose with freshly drawn well water.
17. Counteracting Aconite-Based Poisons: (For Shewang poison, a traditional preparation from Aconitum carmichaelii used for scrofula and other lymphatic swellings.) Take earthworm mud powder, mix it with well water, and drink two small wine cups.
18. Nausea and Vomiting / Gastric Reflux: Combine one liang (approximately 30 grams) of earthworm mud, three qian (approximately 9 grams) of Costus Root (Mu Xiang), and seven qian (approximately 21 grams) of Rhubarb (Da Huang). Grind all ingredients into a fine powder. Take five qian (approximately 15 grams) per dose with clear water. Strictly avoid fried, stir-fried, alcoholic beverages, vinegary foods, peppery spices, ginger, and other 'hot' (heating) foods.
19. Pediatric Fever with Nasal Congestion: Grind wet earthworm mud into a flat cake and apply it to the fontanelle. This application should be changed several times throughout the day.
20. Chronic Leg Ulcers: Use finely ground earthworm mud from a leek field, add Calamine powder (Qing Fen) and clear oil, mix into a paste-like consistency, and apply to the affected ulcerated area.
21. Perineal Sores: Mix two parts earthworm mud with one part mung bean powder. Add water to create a paste and apply to the sores, replacing the application as it dries.
22. Dysentery (Bloody and Mucous Stools): Fry earthworm mud until it's dry, then pour it into warm water. Allow the mixture to settle, and then drink the clear liquid from the upper layer.
23. Snake and Dog Bites (Including Suspected Rabies): Mix earthworm mud with salt, grind finely, and apply this paste directly to the wound. (Immediate medical attention for animal bites, especially suspected rabies, is crucial and this traditional remedy should not replace professional medical care.)
References
Research highlights the potential anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of earthworm-derived substances, aligning with its traditional uses for various skin conditions and injuries. PMID: 35914597
Studies on earthworm components suggest antimicrobial and detoxifying effects, supporting their historical application in treating bites and infections. PMID: 26032128
Traditional Chinese Medicine literature extensively documents earthworms (Dilong) for their role in dispelling blood stasis, clearing heat, and unblocking collaterals, which encompasses many of the conditions mentioned. PMID: 29551461
Your Health Journey Starts Here!
Feeling a bit off or dealing with minor issues? 3-Second Self-Test: If you're dealing with superficial skin irritations, minor insect bites, or simple localized swelling, and wondering about traditional solutions. 30-Second Self-Rescue: Then, *immediately* consider whether a gentle, natural poultice could offer relief for external concerns, or if persistent internal discomfort warrants a consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner.
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
