Quan Xie
Buthus martensii Karsch
☯ TCM Properties
Extinguishes Wind and Stops Spasms; Unblocks the Channels and Alleviates Pain; Resolves Toxicity and Dissipates Nodules
Botanical Description
Quan Xie is the dried whole body of the Chinese scorpion, Buthus martensii Karsch (also placed in the genus Mesobuthus; Arachnida, Scorpiones, Buthidae), an arthropod 5–8 cm long with a yellow-brown segmented body comprising a fused cephalothorax bearing pincered pedipalps, four pairs of walking legs, and a long flexible “tail” (metasoma) of six segments ending in a curved venom-bearing telson. The species is widespread in dry, rocky habitats of northern China. Live scorpions are captured in spring and summer, fasted briefly, killed by immersion in salt water or boiling brine, and sun-dried whole. The venom contains a complex mixture of neurotoxic peptides. In traditional Chinese medicine the whole dried scorpion is acrid and neutral with toxicity, entering the Liver channel: it extinguishes interior wind to stop convulsions, spasms, tetany, and infantile convulsions, dispels wind to relieve stubborn headache and migraine and facial paralysis, unblocks the channels for joint pain, and attacks toxin to disperse fixed nodules and scrofulous swellings.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Quan Xie (scorpion) is an important Wind-calming, Toxin-clearing substance used for conditions involving internal Wind or severe Wind-type obstruction. It treats convulsions, epilepsy, facial paralysis, and intractable headache, as well as stubborn joint pain and numbness from Wind-Phlegm-Damp obstruction. Its strong penetrating action through the channels makes it effective where plant-based herbs cannot reach. It requires professional formulation as it is considered toxic in larger doses.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.