The Practical Herbalist

Scorpions

Of all of the jars on the shelf of a classic Chinese Herb shop, none is as attention getting as the jar of scorpions. Scorpions have that other worldly scary space alien kind of appearance that just looks dangerous. Scorpions are in fact toxic, which is exactly why they are valuable.

The strongest of medicinals in all forms of medicine, are dangerous. Some of the strongest life saving drugs are highly regulated and only used in the most dire circumstances. Likewise ancient herbalists knew that some of the toxic things around them could be the most important when it comes to saving a life. Around the world many creepy crawly types of creatures are used for food. In the U.S. this is much less common. In the case of the scorpion, the venom is toxic. When the whole animal is eaten there is some of the neurotoxin, but it is not nearly as potent as when it is injected by the sting of the scorpion.

Scorpion is used in cases of what is called severe "Wind". Wind conditions include tremors and convulsions, as well as paralysis, tics and seizures. Mild wind conditions are often treated with herbs that help strengthen the body. Scorpion and a few other insect based herbs tend to be employed when nourishment has failed or the condition is severe and chronic. Generally these types of medicines are reserved for cases, when milder treatments have failed.

Powerful and toxic herbs like scorpion are very important. They do not get used very often, but for the person who needs it, these types of medicines can provide healing in very difficult circumstances.