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| DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied. |
MYRIAPODA
aka Vietnamese Centipede
(Scolopendra subspinipes)
Image| PROFESSIONALS ONLY!! DANGEROUS INSECT!!! |
|---|
| All centipedes have some amount of venom which, although extremely painful is not generally considered fatal to most humans.
Some people, however, may be allergic to the venom, making a bite extremely dangerous to them. There is one recorded death due to a head bite of a young child. |
More common to southeast Asia, but found worldwide in tropical zones.
PART USED: Whole body of the insect with the legs removed.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE:
In TMC this Centipede is considered: toxic, acrid, warm; affects the liver.Has been used as a form of chemotherapy in cases of cancer. It is usually combined with Scorpion (Buthus martensi) in a decoction form. The decoction is strained and an egg is cooked in the liquid. As therapy, it has been taken 3 times daily. It is believed that the cancer cells take in the protein from the egg which carries the toxins from the insects as well and that the toxins have an inhibitory effect on the growth of the malignant cells. Empirical evidence states there are no harmful side-effects.
DOSE:TRADITIONAL DOSES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY!
All others buy commercial preparations and follow directions carefully!
DECOCTION = 1/2 to 3/4 tsp (1 to 3 grams) to 1 cup water, OR, 1/8 to 1/2 tsp of the powdered form of the insect.
