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 Gryllotalpa orientalis
MOLE-CRICKET
The bodies of male mole-crickets
-- earth-tunnelling relatives of the cricket-- are given in Chinese medicine
for water retention, to ripen boils and abscesses, and for difficult labour.
Chinese enthusiasm for the cricket has produced an entire "cricket culture",
based on cricket chirping competitions. Mole-crickets are an earth-tunnelling relative of the cricket;
they have strong front legs for digging. Another of the mole-cricket's claims to fame is its strong smell.
PARTS USED
Bodies of males.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Not known.
ACTIONS
Cooling; increases urine production.
MEDICINAL USE
Given in Chinese medicine for water retention,
to ripen boils and abscesses to bursting point, and for difficult labour.
PREPARATIONS
Roasted, powdered, and mixed with water.
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