Jiāng Cán (僵蚕) — silkworm
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 Tian Ma and Chan Tui (cicada moult).
On this page
1. Overview
Jiāng Cán (僵蚕) — silkworm (Bombyx Batryticatus) — 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 Jiāng Cán 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 | Jiāng Cán |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 僵蚕 |
| Source | silkworm (Bombyx Batryticatus) |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Salty, acrid |
| Channels entered | Liver, Lung |
| Traditional category | Extinguish wind |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Jiāng Cán was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Extinguishes wind and stops spasms
- Dispels wind-heat
- Transforms phlegm and dissipates nodules
Traditional indications
- Convulsions and facial paralysis
- Wind-heat headache and sore throat
- Phlegm nodules
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Jiāng Cán, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Tian Ma and Chan Tui (cicada moult). 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 Jiāng Cán 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 Jiāng Cán
Jiāng Cán appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
- Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin — Universal Benefit Decoction to Eliminate Toxin
- Wu Yao Shun Qi San — Lindera Powder to Smooth the Flow of Qi
- Yu Zhen San — True Jade Powder
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