Aspongopus – 1 lb (454 g)

Aspongopus, known in Chinese as 九香虫 (Jiǔxiāngchóng) and scientifically as Aspongopus, is a valued herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This TCM herb has been traditionally used to support natural wellness, maintain vitality, and encourage holistic balance. At TCMforyou.com, we provide premium-quality Aspongopus carefully sourced to preserve its therapeutic properties.

As a herbal supplement, Aspongopus helps promote overall well-being and supports natural energy, immunity, and balance. Integrating this herb into your wellness routine offers a gentle, time-tested approach to enhancing daily health. Whether brewed as tea, added to herbal remedies, or taken as part of a TCM formula, Aspongopus provides a safe, natural way to experience the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine.

Trusted for centuries, Aspongopus has been used in TCM to harmonize the body and encourage optimal functioning of key systems. At TCMforyou, we prioritize authenticity and quality. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure purity and potency, delivering an herbal product aligned with traditional practices.

Experience the natural support of Aspongopus, promoting immune health, vitality, and holistic well-being. Embrace the wisdom of TCM and incorporate this gentle, effective herbal remedy into your daily wellness journey.

[Overview] This herb is also known as Heidouchong, Guaheichun, Dapichong, and Qianglangchong. It is the whole insect of Aspongopus chinensis Dallas from the family Pentatomidae. It is distributed throughout most regions of China except the Northeast and Northwest. It is harvested from November to March of the following year. The insects are placed in a suitable container and killed by suffocation with a small amount of alcohol, then taken out and dried in the shade; or they are scalded in boiling water, taken out, and dried in the sun or by baking.

[Properties] Taste salty, nature warm. Enters the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen meridians.

[Actions] Regulates qi and relieves pain; warms the Kidney and strengthens Yang.

[Applications]
1. Used for distending pain in the chest, hypochondrium, and epigastrium. For chest and hypochondriac distending pain caused by Liver and Stomach qi stagnation, it can be combined with Xiangfu (Cyperus rotundus), Chuanlianzi (Melia toosendan), and Yanhusuo (Corydalis yanhusuo). For cold stagnation in the middle burner with cold pain in the epigastrium and abdomen that is relieved by warmth or belching, it can be combined with Chenpi (Citrus peel), Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala), and Gaoliangjiang (Alpinia officinarum).
2. Used for Kidney Yang deficiency manifesting as impotence, premature ejaculation, and frequent nocturnal urination; can be combined with Buguzhi (Psoralea corylifolia), Bajitian (Morinda officinalis), and Xianlingpi (Epimedium). For Kidney qi deficiency with soreness and weakness of the lumbar region and knees, it can be combined with Shudihuang (Rehmannia glutinosa prepared), Duzhong (Eucommia ulmoides), and Xuduan (Dipsacus asper).

[Dosage and Administration] Internal use: decoction, 3–9 g; or incorporated into pills or powders, 0.6–1.2 g.

[Cautions] Contraindicated in patients with Yin deficiency and internal heat.

[Modern Research]
1. Chemical constituents: The whole insect contains fats, proteins, and chitin. The fats include stearic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid. Its distinctive odor originates from aldehyde and ketone components.
2. Pharmacological effects: Aspongopus shows strong inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A, and Shigella flexneri. Elemental analysis indicates that Aspongopus contains relatively high levels of manganese and magnesium, elements associated with anticancer and cancer-inhibiting properties, and low levels of carcinogenic elements such as nickel, chromium, arsenic, cadmium, and beryllium, suggesting potential anticancer effects.
3. Clinical reports:
1) Gastrointestinal spasm and biliary colic: A preparation called “Zhitongling” made from Aspongopus and Guangmuxiang (Radix Aucklandiae) is effective for gastrointestinal spasm pain and biliary colic. Pharmacological and toxicological studies confirm strong antispasmodic and analgesic effects with good safety and minimal side effects. [Journal of Hunan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1990, 10(3):157]
2) Chronic asthmatic bronchitis: One Aspongopus roasted over fire, ground into powder, mixed with one egg, then cooked with sesame or cottonseed oil (not lard), taken daily. In 21 treated cases, all were effective. [Journal of Hunan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1979, (4):66]
3) Lumbar muscle strain: Aspongopus and Chenpi (Citrus peel) 7 g each, ground into fine powder, taken twice daily with hot water or alcohol for 7 doses. Seven cases of acute and chronic lumbar muscle strain showed good results. [Zhejiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1979, (5):179]
4) Impotence: Aspongopus 30 g, stir-fried until half cooked, combined with dry rose flower 30 g, soaked in 800 ml rice wine for 10 days. This formula is effective for treating impotence. [Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1990, (3):26]