Meng Chong
Tabanus bivittatus Matsumura
โฏ TCM Properties
Breaks Blood and Dispels Stasis; Transforms and Expels Blood Stasis; Disperses Accumulations and Dissipates Nodules; Promotes Menstruation
Botanical Description
Meng Chong is the dried body of the female gadfly Tabanus bivittatus Matsumura or related Tabanus species (Tabanidae), large blood-feeding horseflies widespread across East Asia. The insects are caught in summer, killed by exposure to sun or heat, and the wings and legs removed before drying. The body contains proteins, peptides, and anticoagulant substances secreted by the salivary glands to facilitate blood-feeding, including hirudin-like and fibrinolytic factors. In traditional Chinese medicine, Meng Chong is bitter, slightly cold, and toxic, entering the liver channel; it strongly invigorates the blood and breaks up severe blood stasis, used in formulas for amenorrhea, abdominal masses, post-traumatic blood stagnation, and chronic stasis patterns. It is classically paired with Shui Zhi (leech) in the formula Di Dang Tang. Contraindicated in pregnancy and in patients without genuine blood stasis.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Meng Chong (tabanus horsefly) is a toxic Blood-breaking substance used for severe, fixed Blood stasis patterns โ including abdominal masses, postpartum retention of placenta, and amenorrhea from Blood clots. Its action is considered more powerful than most plant-based Blood-moving herbs and is used only in small doses, under close supervision, and avoided in pregnancy and in those with bleeding tendencies.
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.