Zhe4chong2 - Ground Beetle versus Cane Beetle?

March 21, 2007

Hi All,

Just as there is confusion as regards similarities and differences between

Huainiuxi (Achyranthes) and Chuanniuxi (Cyathula), the data on beetles

Tubiechong and Zhechong are confusing to me.

Zhe4chong2 has two different Hanzi terms: Form (1) - - means Ground

Beetle (which some authors say is synonymous with Tubiechong );

Form (2) - - means Cane Beetle; See the two different forms at

http://tinyurl.com/3az2le

There also are two different formulas called Dahuang Zhechong Wan [

and ]; see: http://tinyurl.com/358uf7 and

http://tinyurl.com/2mvpkx

(1) has the former (Ground Beetle) and the other has the latter (Cane

Beetle).

Can anyone give me summary details of each of those beetles, or can we

take them as the same, AND as the same as Tubiechong?

Best regards,

March 21, 2007

Hi Phil,

zhe chong is an alternate name for tu bie chong, and another name is di bie

chong.

The chuan in chuan niu xi refers to its place of origin (Sichuan province),

but it is a different herb than huai niu xi. Chuan niu xi has stronger blood

moving properties, and huai niu xi has stronger liver/kidney supplementing

properties. Both have similar functions, but their focus differs. Chen

comments on this in his materia medica.

best,

Tom.