Dì Lóng (地龙) — earthworm
Information only — not used or prescribed at this clinic. This page documents a traditional animal-derived substance for reference and education. I do not use or prescribe any animal products. Every formula I prescribe is built entirely from plant and mineral herbs.
Although it may be used by some practitioners, I do not prescribe any animal-derived substances.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include Gou Teng, Sang Zhi and Si Gua Luo.
On this page
1. Overview
Dì Lóng (地龙) — earthworm (Pheretima) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that extinguish wind. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Dì Lóng or any other animal product; I prescribe plant and mineral herbs in their place, matched to each patient's TCM pattern.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Dì Lóng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 地龙 |
| Source | earthworm (Pheretima) |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Salty |
| Channels entered | Liver, Spleen, Bladder |
| Traditional category | Extinguish wind |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Dì Lóng was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Clears Heat and extinguishes wind
- Unblocks the channels and collaterals
- Calms wheezing and promotes urination
Traditional indications
- High fever with convulsions
- Joint pain and numbness
- Wheezing from Lung heat
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Dì Lóng, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Gou Teng, Sang Zhi and Si Gua Luo. The right choice always depends on the individual TCM pattern identified in consultation. Read more about Chinese herbal medicine or book an online herbal consultation.
5. Why it is not prescribed
Although Dì Lóng may be used by some practitioners, I do not prescribe any animal-derived substances; plant and mineral herbs are used instead. All Chinese herbs should be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), which prohibits the use of endangered species. Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council and does not use animal products of any kind.
Formulas containing Dì Lóng
Dì Lóng appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
- Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang — Tonify the Yang to Restore Five-Tenths
- Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang — Drive Out Blood Stasis from a Painful Body
- Xiao Huo Luo Dan — Minor Invigorate the Channels Pill
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