Omphalia, Lei Wan 雷丸
Lei Wan (TCM)
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Omphalia Lei Wan from the early 18th century Chinese encyclopedia Gujin Tushu Jicheng (Wikimedia) |
Omphalia (Ben cao tu pu, 1644) (Welcome images) |
Botanical name:
Omphalia lapidescens
It is a parasitic fungii growing on the roots of certain species of Bamboo.
Parts used:
Fruiting body, collected in Autumn, washed, and sun-dried.
Temperature & Taste:
Cold, dry. Bitter. Mildly Toxic.
Classification:
S. Worms and Parasites
Uses:
1. Kills Worms and Parasites:
-primarily Tapeworm; also Hookworm, Roundworm, Pinworm etc.
-it has been used for various Worms and Parasites
-also for Marasmus in infants related to Worms
2. Clears Obstructions, Benefits Digestion:
-Childhood Nutritional Impairment, especially associated with Worms, but also for internal blockage of Damp-Heat
-abdominal pain associated with Damp-Heat and/or Worms
3. Externally:
-used in washes for Itching and Rashes, especially related to internal Damp-Heat.
Dose:
Usually used in Pills and Powders as the active compounds are destroyed by heat.
In Pills or Powders: usually 1–3 grams in compounds;
Decoction: 3–9 grams in full doses, with up to 15 grams being given.
The Chinese Pharmacopeia recommends 15–21 grams of the powder taken three times a day for 3 days to expel Worms.
Preparation:
First, it is well washed to remove dirt. It may be sliced and sun-dried without further preparation.
1. Stir-fried Omphalia:
The drug is sliced and stir-fried until slightly yellowed.
2. Licorice-prepared Omphalia:
It is soaked in Licorice decoction overnight, then the soft black skin is peeled off and then it is sliced. It is then steamed, and dried in the sun. Additionally, it can be soaked in wine, then dried.
Main Combinations:
Commonly combined with Betel nut (Bing Lang) for Worms and Parasites.
1. Worms:
i. Omphalia with Costus (Mu Xiang) and Betel nut (Bing Lang)
ii. Tapeworm, Omphalia with Betel nut (Bing Lang), Fern or Dryopteris Mian Ma Guan Zhong.
iii. Roundworm in children, Omphalia with Celosia seed (Qing Ziang Qi), Sophora Ku Shen, Coptis Huang Lian
iv. Roundworm with Heat, Omphalia with Picrorhiza Hu Huang Lian, Mume Wu Mei
v. Roundworm, Omphalia, Carrot seed (Nan He Shi), Coptis Huang Lian, Mume Wu Mei
vi. Roundworm, Omphalia, Betel Nut (Bing Lang), Quisqualis Shi Jun Zi, Melia cortex Ku Lian Pi, Carpesium He Shi
vii. pain from Worms, Omphalia, Betel nut (Bing Lang), Melia toosenden Chuan Lian Zi
2. Childhood nutritional Impairment:
i. Omphalia, Picrorhiza Hu Huang Lian, Poria Fu Ling, Atractylodes Bai Zhu, Dioscorea Shan Yao.
ii. with weakness, emaciation, anorexia, Omphalia, Poria Fu Ling, Chicken Gizzard skin, Cuttlefish bone, Sparganium San Leng (vinegar-prepared), Turmeric (vinegar-prepared), Safflower (Hong Hua), Betel nut (Bing Lang), Carpseium He Shi, Quisqualis Shi Jun Zi, (as in Hua Ji Kou Fu Ye of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia)
iii. Marasmus in children, especially due to suspected Worms, Omphalia (15 grams), Melia Ku Lian Pi (15 grams), Quisqualis Shi Jun Zi (15 grams), Ginger (12 grams), Licorice (4.5 grams). Powder: For a 1–3 year old, dose is 600–1500mg; for 3–9 years old, 1200–2400mg; for 9–12 year old, 2.5–3 grams. (Barefoot Doctors Manual)
3. Itchiness and Rashes from internal Damp-Heat, Omphalia with Saposhnikovia Fang Feng.
Major Formulas:
Lian Mei An Hui Tang
Cautions:
Avoid long-term use. Classical texts claim it damages Yin and causes Infertility (with extended use).