Tabanus, Gad Fly, Meng Chong 虻虫

Tabanus, Horse Fly
Meng Chong (TCM)

Tabanus mandarinus

Tabanus chrysurus

Blood Sucking Insects of Formosa, Shiraki & Hakushi, 1918

Entomological name:

Tabanus spp.
A number of species supply the market, the main ones being:
1. T. bivittatus
2. T. mandarinus
3. T. kiangsuensis
4. T. pleskei
5. T. chrysurus
6. T. budda
7. T. omeishanensis

Parts used:

Dried Female Insect with legs and wings removed.

Temperature & Taste:

Slightly Cold, dry. Bitter. Toxic

Classification:

K. Moves the Blood

Uses:

1. Breaks Up Blood Stasis, Resolves Masses:
-Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea
-Abdominal Masses
-Retained Lochia

2. Moves the Blood, Promotes Healing:
-Trauma, Bruising

3. Clears Heat, Resists Poison:
-pain, swelling and obstruction of the Throat
-Snake Bite

Dose:

Decoction: 1500mg–3 grams
Powder: 300–600mg

Comment:

Tabanus is considered stronger than Leech to break blood stasis and resolve masses, however, it has a shorter lasting effect. Leech is considered to have a long-lasting, more sustained effect. Therefore, they work well together, especially in fixed abdominal masses and Tumors.

Preparation:

They are generally baked until brown and crispy. This facilitates powdering, lessens their foul smell, and reduces toxicity.

Main Combinations:

1. Amenorrhea from Blood Stasis:
i. Tabanus with Ligusticum Chuan Xiong, Dang Gui, Safflower (Hong Hua)
ii. Tabanus, Rhubarb (Da Huang), Myrrh (Mo Yao)
2. Abdominal masses and Postpartum Blood stasis, Tabanus with Motherwort (Yi Mu Cao), Safflower (Hong Hua), Leech (Shui Zhi), vinegar-prepared Cyperus rotundus (Xiang Fu), Myrrh (Mo Yao), Frankincense (Ru Xiang), Bitter Almond (Ku Xing Ren), Peach kernel (Tao Ren), Corydalis Yan Hu Suo, Toxicodendron resin (Gan Qi) (as in Huazheng Huisheng Tablets of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia)
3. Retained Lochia, Tabanus with Rehmannia Shu Di Huang, Leech (Shui Zhi), Peach kernel (Tao Ren)
4. To expel the Fetus: ‘To expel the fetus when the pregnant mother is in critical condition, Stir-fry 10 Tabanus (Meng Chong), pound into powder, and take by mouth with wine. This will cause the fetus to be expelled’. (Ben Cao Gang Mu)
5. Significant Blood Stasis, Abdominal Masses:
i. Tabanus, Leech (Shui Zhi), Rhubarb Da Huang, Peach kernel (Tao Ren), Myrrh, (Mo Yao)
ii. Tabanus with Zedoary (E Zhu), Corydalis Yan Hu Suo, Achyranthes Niu Xi, Flying Squirrel Feces (Wu Ling Zhi)
6. Trauma, Bruising,
i. Tabanus (20) with Paeonia Mu Dan Pi (30 grams). Powder, take a spoonful with wine. (Bei Ji Fang, TCM)
ii. Tabanus with Rhubarb (Da Huang), Myrrh (Mo Yao), Frankincense (Ru Xiang)
7. Snake Bite with bleeding ofout of the orifices, burn 21 Tabanus, powder, and take with hot water. (Zhou Hou Fang, TCM)

Major Formulas:

Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan
Di Dang Tang
Huazheng Huisheng Tablets (Chinese Pharmacopoeia)

Cautions:

1. Not used during pregnancy or Menstruation.
2. Only used in those with Blood stasis.
3. Caution in patients with debility (Qi and Blood deficiency).