Fēng Fáng (蜂房) — hornet / wasp nest
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 Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao and topical plant washes.
On this page
1. Overview
Fēng Fáng (蜂房) — hornet / wasp nest (Vespae Nidus) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that resolve toxicity. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Fēng Fáng 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 | Fēng Fáng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 蜂房 |
| Source | hornet / wasp nest (Vespae Nidus) |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Stomach |
| Traditional category | Resolve toxicity |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Fēng Fáng was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Dispels wind and resolves toxicity
- Relieves itching and pain (mostly topical)
Traditional indications
- Toxic sores and swellings
- Wind-type skin itching (topical)
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Fēng Fáng, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao and topical plant washes. 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 Fēng Fáng 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.
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