Silkworm excrement (Cansha)
Excrementum Bombycis mori
Pharmaceutical Name: Excrementum Bombycis mori
Zoological Name: Bombys mori L. (family Bombycidae)
Common Name: Silkworm excrement.
Source of Earliest Record: Mingyi Bielu.
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: Silkworm excrement is collected from June to August, then dried in the sun.
Properties & Taste: Pungent, sweet and warm.
Meridians: Liver, spleen and stomach.
Functions: 1. To dispel wind and dampness; 2. To harmonize the stomach and transform dampness.
Indications & Combinations:
1. Damp-heat obstruction syndrome.Silkworm excrement (Cansha) is used with Tetrandra root (Fangji), Coix seed (Yiyiren) and Talc (Huashi) in the formula Xuanbi Tang.
2. Turbid dampness blocking the spleen and stomach manifested as vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and abdominal pain. Silkworm excrement (Cansha) is used with Chaenomeles fruit (Mugua), Scutellaria root (Huangqin) and Evodia fruit (Wuzhuyu) in the formula Canshi Tang.
3. Eczema. The decoction of the herb is used for external washing.
Dosage: 5-10 g, decocted in water for an oral dose.
Precautions: None noted.
