3Jiang Can - Silkworm - Bombyx Batryticatus

Jiang Can (Silkworm) is a neutral, salty, and acrid medicinal in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for extinguishing wind, relieving spasms, and dispersing phlegm. It is made from the dried larva of Bombyx mori that have been infected with a specific fungus (Beauveria bassiana), which enhances its therapeutic potency. Jiang Can is highly valued for treating convulsions, spasms, stubborn headaches, loss of voice, and nodules caused by phlegm and heat. It is also used to relieve itching, swelling, and pain from wind-heat skin conditions or sore throat.

Functions & Benefits

Extinguishes Wind and Relieves Spasms
Calms tremors, seizures, and convulsions caused by Liver wind or febrile illness.

Dispels Wind-Heat and Relieves Pain
Reduces swelling, sore throat, and itching from wind-heat invasion.

Transforms Phlegm and Softens Hardness
Dissolves nodules, scrofula, and phlegm masses.

Opens the Channels and Improves Mobility
Helps relieve joint stiffness and obstruction caused by wind-phlegm.

Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)
✔ Individuals with tremors, spasms, or seizure-like symptoms from internal wind.
✔ People with stubborn sore throat, swollen glands, or hoarseness.
✔ Those with nodules or lumps caused by phlegm-heat.
✔ Patients with chronic joint stiffness or movement restriction.

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red or normal with thin yellow or greasy coating, indicating wind-heat or phlegm-heat.
Pulse: Wiry, slippery, or rapid, reflecting wind and phlegm patterns.

Related TCM Patterns
Liver Wind Stirring Internally – Causes tremors, spasms, and dizziness.
Phlegm-Heat Obstructing the Channels – Produces nodules and swelling.
Wind-Heat Invasion – Leads to sore throat, itching, and swelling.

Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)
Tremors and Convulsions – Calms internal wind from heat or Liver imbalance.
Sore Throat and Loss of Voice – Reduces swelling and clears heat.
Phlegm Nodules – Softens and dissolves hard masses in the neck and glands.
Joint Stiffness – Relieves obstruction from wind-phlegm.

Common Herbal Formulas with Jiang Can
Often combined with Tian Ma and Gou Teng for tremors, or with Ban Xia and Xia Ku Cao for phlegm nodules.

Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid in cases of blood deficiency without wind or heat signs.
Not suitable during pregnancy.
Use with caution in individuals with weak digestion.

Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations
✔ Maintain a balanced diet with foods that reduce phlegm, such as radish and mung beans.
✔ Avoid excessive consumption of greasy, fried, or dairy-heavy foods that produce phlegm.
✔ Engage in gentle stretching to improve circulation and mobility.
✔ Keep the neck and joints warm to prevent wind invasion.

Conclusion
Jiang Can (Silkworm) is a neutral, wind-extinguishing and phlegm-transforming medicinal in TCM that calms spasms, relieves swelling, and softens nodules. It is especially useful for tremors, sore throat, and phlegm-related lumps.