Quanxie is the dried body of Buthus martensii Karsch, pertaining to Buthidae. Collect it from the end of spring to the beginnig of fall. Quanxie collected from Clear and Bright Season to Grain Rain Season, is known as "spring scorpion", which is of better quality. After capture, it is put into water to vomit earth. After that, it is put into boiling water or boiling salty water until it becomes fully rigidified. It is taken to the ventilated space and then dried in shadow.
[ Medicinal Properties ]: Pungent and neutral. Toxic; relate to liver meridian.
[ Medicinal Efficacies ]: Extinguish wind, stop convulsions; relieve toxicity, dissipate nodulation; unblock collaterals and stop pain.
[ Clinical Applications ]: 1. Spasms and convulsions Quanxie is the most essential medicinal to treat spasms and convulsions. It treats spasms and convulsion, regardless of causes, in combination with Wugong; for example in Zhijing Powder. For infantile chronic convulsions, it is used in combinatin with Dangshen and Baizhu. In case of tetanus, it is in combination with Wugong and Gouteng. For facial palsy due to wind stroke, it is in combination with Jiangcan and Baifuzi, such as in Qianzheng Powder.
2. Sores, ulcers, swelling , toxin, scrofula and nodulation It treats swelling and sores, in combination with Zhizi. Decoct both in sesame oil until charred, remove dregs, and then mix with beeswax to make the paste for external application. Also it treats tuberculosis of bone and joint, scrofula and goiter, in combination with Maqianzi, Banxia and Wulingzhi.
3. Chronic arthralgia It is with superior effect for chronic arthralgia, manifesting as convulsions of tendons and even distorted joints, in combination with Shexiang.
4. Refractory headache and migraine It is effective alone by ground into powder for oral administration or in combination with Tianma , Wugong, Chuaxiong and Jiangcan for better effect.
[ Usage and Dosage ]: 3-6g. It is ground into powder for oral administration, 0.6-1g. Also it is used externally.
[ Precautions ]: As it is toxic, the dosage should be small. Also be cautious for pregnant woman.
全蝎为钳蝎料动物东亚钳蝎Buthus martensii Karsch的干燥体。主产于河南、山东、湖北、安徽等地。清明至谷雨前后捕捉者,称为“春蝎”,此时未食泥土,品质较佳;夏季产量较多,称为“伏蝎”。饲养蝎一般在秋季,隔年收捕一次。野生蝎在春末至秋初捕捉,捕得后,先浸入清水中,待其吐出泥土,置沸水或沸盐水中,煮至全身僵硬,捞出,置通风处,阴干。