Sang Piao Xiao
Tenodera sinensis Saussure / Statilia maculata (Thunberg) / Hierodula patellifera (Serville)
☯ TCM Properties
Tonifies Kidney Yang; Secures Essence and Stops Seminal Emission; Secures Essence and Stops Enuresis; Astringes to Stop Vaginal Discharge
Botanical Description
Sang Piao Xiao is the dried egg case (ootheca) of praying mantises, principally Tenodera sinensis (Chinese mantis), Statilia maculata, and Hierodula patellifera (family Mantidae). Females deposit oothecae in late autumn, attaching them to twigs, shrub stems, or wooden surfaces; in traditional collection, oothecae found on mulberry (Morus) branches are considered highest quality, giving the substance its Chinese name 'mulberry-bough-drifting'. Each ootheca is an ovoid to elongated foamy mass, 2-4 cm long, formed by an air-whipped, hardened proteinaceous secretion that protects the internal rows of eggs through winter. Color ranges from pale tan to grayish brown; the surface is finely ridged or grooved. Collected oothecae are steamed to kill the developing eggs, then dried for medicinal use.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Sang Piao Xiao (mantis egg case) is a neutral-warm, astringent substance used in Chinese medicine to tonify Kidney Yang and secure the Jing and Essence. It is used for spermatorrhea, urinary incontinence and bedwetting, frequent urination, and excessive vaginal discharge from Kidney deficiency failing to consolidate the lower burner. Its gentle tonifying and astringent action also calms the Heart for insomnia and restlessness in Kidney-Heart disharmony. As both a tonic and an astringent, it addresses deficiency-leakage patterns comprehensively.
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.