Jiang Can
Bombyx mori Linnaeus (infected by Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuillant)
☯ TCM Properties
Extinguishes Wind and Stops Spasms; Dispels Wind and Stops Pain; Transforms Phlegm and Dissipates Nodules; Clears Heat from the Throat
Botanical Description
Jiang Can (literally stiff silkworm) is not a plant but the dried body of silkworm larvae (Bombyx mori, family Bombycidae) that have died of muscardine disease, an infection caused by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Infected fourth- or fifth-instar larvae become rigid, white-coated, and chalky as fungal hyphae and asexual conidia colonize the body cavity and erupt through the cuticle, producing a fuzzy white bloom. The harvested material consists of straight, cylindrical, hard, light, yellowish-white to grey-white bodies 2-5 cm long that retain the segmented silkworm form, with a faintly aromatic, slightly fishy odor and a salty taste. It is therefore an animal-fungal product, not botanical (Wikipedia; NCBI).
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Che Qian Cao (plantain herb, whole plant) is a cool herb that clears Heat, promotes urination, and resolves phlegm. It is used for urinary tract infections, difficult or painful urination, and edema from heat-Dampness accumulation. Its blood-cooling properties stop minor bleeding, and topically it is applied for inflammatory skin conditions, insect bites, and boils. As the whole herb rather than the seed, its actions are similar but slightly broader in scope.
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.