What Is Whole Scorpion? Characteristics of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Whole Scorpion and an Introduction to Its Farming Applications

Whole scorpion is a commonly used alias for the traditional Chinese medicine known as quanscorpion (quanxie); it refers to the complete, dried body of the scorpion species Mesobuthus martensii (East Asian scorpion) in the family Buthidae, after processing. It gets its name because the head, thorax, abdomen and tail are all intact. Traditionally, the whole animal with the tail is used as medicine and called whole scorpion, while only the tail portion is called scorpion tail; the two come from the same source, differing only in the medicinal part used and the customary dosage.

Whole scorpion is pungent in flavor and neutral in nature. In traditional Chinese medicine it is considered to enter the liver meridian and has effects such as calming wind and stopping spasms, unblocking collaterals and relieving pain, and attacking toxins and dispersing masses. It often appears in formulas for dealing with convulsions and spasms, rheumatic arthralgia, and sores, ulcers and toxic swellings. It should be noted that whole scorpion itself carries a certain toxicity, and its use requires attention to processing methods and dosage control; ordinary people should not take it on their own.

In agricultural production, scorpion farming belongs to the category of specialty farming and is mostly carried out under artificially controlled temperature and humidity conditions. Scorpions prefer warmth and fear strong light, and are often fed live insects such as yellow mealworms and ground beetles. They are relatively sensitive to environmental changes during molting, so daily management in farming needs to include temperature and humidity regulation, rearing by age group, and prevention of escape and pests.

When selecting and storing whole scorpion, the best quality is generally considered to be intact bodies that are dry, natural in color, and free of mold and unusual odors; the finished product should be sealed and kept in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture and insect damage. Finally, a reminder: whole scorpion, as a medicinal material, should be used under a physician's guidance with a prescription. Do not believe folk remedies and take large amounts on your own, to avoid adverse reactions.