Earthworm (Di-long) – The Herb Used in Traditional Systems to Support Normal Lung Function and Heat EliminationDi Long, also known as "Earthworm" or "Pheretima," is the traditional Chinese name for the dried body of Pheretima aspergillum (earthworms from the Pheretima genus), a very special cold, salty herb from the animal family that has been part of traditional Chinese herbal systems for over 2000 years. This cold, salty herb is particularly known for its ability to support normal lung function, eliminate normal heat from airways, promote normal respiratory comfort, support normal bladder function and promote normal meridian opening – making it an ideal choice for people with a tendency toward normal asthma, normal cough symptoms, normal respiratory difficulty and normal meridian obstruction symptoms.Traditional Understanding in TCM SystemsWithin traditional Chinese medicine, earthwom (Di-long) is described as a very cold, salty herb with "channel-opening" (meridian-opening) character. In the TCM theoretical framework, it acts on the so‑called Lung, Bladder, Liver and Spleen meridians. According to this traditional description, earthwom (Di-long) specializes in normal "lung function support," helps "eliminate normal heat from airways," "opens normal meridian passage" and "relieves normal season-related asthma symptoms" – crucial TCM concepts for normal respiratory health and normal energy flow.Earthworm (Di-long) is seen in TCM as a very special "meridian opener and lung moistener" – one of the most valued herbs for normal asthma and normal meridian obstruction. It is traditionally used to promote normal lung function, support normal respiratory health, ease normal asthma symptoms, support normal bladder function and promote normal meridian passage.Special Property: Very Cold and Meridian-OpeningEarthworm (Di-long) distinguishes itself by its very cold nature and special "meridian-opening" property. This "channel-opening" capacity is very unique in TCM – it is believed that earthworms, through their natural burrowing behavior, can help relieve normal energy-flow blockages. This is one of the most characteristic TCM theories about this herb.Botanical Composition and Research (VERY UNIQUE)Earthworm (Di-long) contains over 150 bioactive compounds, of which the main ones are:Lumbrokinase (characteristic fibrinolytic enzyme)Earthworm proteins and polypeptides (lysenin, other bioactive proteins)Enzymes (earthworm serine protease, fibronectinase, catalase, superoxide dismutase)Nucleotides and amino acidsPolysaccharidesPolyphenolsTrace elements (iron, zinc, copper, manganese)Modern scientific research shows that earthworm (Di-long) components can offer very diverse benefits:Normal lung function support: Studies show that certain components can support normal airway function and help ease normal asthma symptoms – likely the classical "lung-moistening" action.Normal meridian opening: This is very unique – research suggests that certain enzymes can promote normal blood vessel circulation and support normal energy flow.Fibrinolytic action: Lumbrokinase and fibrinolytic enzymes can support normal fibrin breakdown – a very important phenomenon that promotes normal blood vessel circulation.Normal respiratory health: Proteins and enzymes can help regulate normal airway excitement.Anti-inflammatory action: Enzymes and polyphenols can help maintain normal inflammation balance.Antioxidant activity: Superoxide dismutase and other antioxidants possess strong free-radical-fighting action.Normal nerve regeneration: Research shows that certain components can support normal nerve function – very special.Normal blood pressure support: Historical studies suggest effects on normal blood pressure regulation.Traditional Applications – TCM ContextIn traditional TCM formulas, earthworm (Di-long) is classically used in situations described as:Normal asthma or normal shortness of breathNormal cough with normal phlegm retentionNormal season-related asthmaNormal meridian obstruction symptomsNormal spastic conditions or normal cramping symptomsNormal bladder function problemsNormal heat-caused respiratory symptomsNormal paralysis-like symptoms (historical)Normal hypertension-related symptomsNormal blood circulation problemsThese are traditionalist descriptions that form part of the TCM thinking system and must not be equated with medical diagnoses in the sense of European medicinal product law.Cold and Meridian-Opening CharacterEarthworm (Di-long) is traditionally seen as a "cold," "salty" and "meridian-opening" herb – which effectively addresses normal heat patterns and normal meridian obstructions. This makes it particularly suitable for people with a tendency toward normal asthma and normal respiratory difficulty.Classical Formula: Ding Chuan TangA famous classical application is in the formula "Ding Chuan Tang" (Calm Wheezing Decoction), traditionally used for over 400 years for normal asthma and normal shortness of breath. This very famous formula contains earthwom (Di-long) as one of the core ingredients, combined with other respiratory-support herbs.Other Classical Formulas:Xiao Qing Long Tang (can contain Di-long): for normal cough with phlegm retentionMa Xing Shi Gan Tang: for normal asthma symptomsPreparation and DosageEarthworm (Di-long) is traditionally:Built into formulasTraditional dosage: 4–12g per formulaUsed in cooked formulasVery effective in small doses due to strong activating capacityCAUTION: NOT FOR SPLEEN-YANG DEFICIENCYEarthworm (Di-long) must NOT be used by:Individuals with Spleen-Yang deficiency (weak digestion)Individuals on certain blood thinners without professional guidance (can have lumbrokinase)Individuals with very weak constitutionSeasonality and Daily UseEarthworm (Di-long) is traditionally especially used in warm seasons. It is NOT suitable for daily independent standalone use, but ALWAYS part of professional TCM formulas.Well-being and Daily UseEarthworm (Di-long) is valued by modern users as part of professional TCM formulas for normal lung function, normal respiratory health and normal meridian opening. This herb is NOT suitable for independent daily use without professional guidance.Many users see earthworm (Di-long) as part of professional TCM formulas for respiratory health – as a very special, meridian-opening element for normal asthma support and normal respiratory comfort, ALWAYS under the guidance of a qualified TCM doctor.Very Safe Profile (In Professional Formulas)Earthworm (Di-long) is known as one of the safest animal TCM herbs. It has minimal toxicity and is widely used in professional TCM for all age groups (including children under professional supervision).CAUTIOUS NOTE FOR THE CONSUMERThis product is a dietary supplement for professional TCM use. This is an animal product – adults can safely use it when prescribed by a qualified TCM doctor. TCM terms such as Meridian Opening, Lung Function Support, Heat Elimination are system concepts that form part of a traditional thinking system and must not be directly equated with anatomical structures or disease explanations in modern medicine.If you have persistent asthma, severe respiratory difficulty or normal heat-related symptoms, you should always consult a qualified TCM doctor or medical expert BEFORE using this herb in formulas.CAUTION: Not for Spleen-Yang deficiency – professional supervision recommended.
