bubble_chart Property

salty, neutral.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Mainly treats middle injury, hernia and masses, impotence, benefits essence and promotes fertility, treats amenorrhea in women, lumbago, unblocks the five types of strangury, and promotes urination at Shuidao (ST28).

bubble_chart Note

Chen Xiu-yuan said:

• The ootheca is the egg case of the mantis. Its qi is neutral and belongs to metal, and its flavor is salty and belongs to water. Among all insects, the mantis has the most rigid nature.
• Because it possesses the nature of metal, it can extend the regulatory power of the lungs, hence it treats hernia and masses, amenorrhea in women, unblocks the five types of strangury, and promotes urination at Shuidao (ST28).
• It also possesses the nature of water, enabling the kidneys to function strongly, hence it treats impotence, benefits essence and promotes fertility, and treats lumbago.
• Its ability to treat middle injury is due to its growth on the mulberry tree, acquiring the qi of the mulberry to heal injuries.
• Nowadays, people specifically use it to reduce urination. Although it is said to be able to open and also to close, its essential nature lies in this aspect rather than the other.