Quán Xiē (全蝎) — scorpion
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 Gou Teng.
On this page
1. Overview
Quán Xiē (全蝎) — scorpion (Scorpio) — 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 Quán Xiē 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 | Quán Xiē |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 全蝎 |
| Source | scorpion (Scorpio) |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels entered | Liver |
| Traditional category | Extinguish wind |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Quán Xiē was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Extinguishes wind and stops spasms
- Unblocks the channels and collaterals
- Resolves toxicity and dissipates nodules
Traditional indications
- Convulsions and tremors
- Stubborn headache and facial paralysis
- Painful toxic swellings
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Quán Xiē, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Tian Ma and Gou Teng. 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 Quán Xiē 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 Quán Xiē
Quán Xiē appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
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