Can Sha
Bombyx mori Linnaeus
☯ TCM Properties
Dispels Wind-Dampness; Harmonizes the Stomach and transforms turbid Dampness; Invigorates Blood and Unblocks the Channels and Collaterals; Relieves Itching
Botanical Description
Can Sha is the dried excrement of the larvae (silkworms) of Bombyx mori, the domesticated silkworm moth, fed on mulberry (Morus alba) leaves during sericulture. The substance occurs as small, dry, hard, granular cylindrical pellets, approximately 2-5 mm long and 1-2 mm wide, blackish-green to dark green or brownish-black on the surface, with a faintly aromatic, grass-like odor and a slightly bitter, somewhat sweetish taste. The pellets are collected primarily during the third and fourth larval instars in summer, sieved free of mulberry leaf fragments, sun-dried, and stored in a dry place. Because the silkworm feeds exclusively on mulberry leaves, the residue retains constituents derived from Mori Folium. In TCM, Can Sha is classified as an acrid, sweet, warm herb that dispels wind-damp and harmonizes the stomach.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Can Sha (silkworm excrement) is a warm, acrid herb with an unusual indication profile: it expels Wind-Damp to relieve joint pain, harmonizes the Stomach to address damp-type diarrhea and abdominal cramping, and is used externally for Wind-type itching and skin conditions. It is also applied in formulas for spasmodic muscle cramps and dysmenorrhea related to cold-damp obstruction.
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.