Fennel

Fennel

(Ben Cao Yan Yi)

[synonym] tiaoxiang insect (compendium).

[source] it is the larva of Papilionidae.

[animal form] Goldwind Butterfly

Body oblong, densely covered with scales and tufts; body length about 4 cm, wing width about 10 cm. There are 1 pair of hemispherical compound eyes on the head and 2 long ball like antennae on the inside of compound eyes. Mouthpiece siphon type. The chest is 3-segmented, with well-developed middle and hind legs; the wings are 2 pairs, bright in color, with black stripes in the yellow background; the hind wings have a caudate process. There are 3 pairs of feet and developed forefeet; the anterior tibial segment has one anterior tibial process, with large claws, smooth inner edge and no bifurcation. The abdomen is long and narrow, with several segments at the end, forming the genitalia. The larva is similar to the silkworm, about 5cm in length, with smooth surface and no spinous process. Three pairs of chest and foot, all segmented. There is a yellow fork shaped smelly horn in the center of the front chest, which can stretch out of the body when frightened and emit odor to resist the enemy; the back chest is strong. There are 5 pairs of prosthetic feet in abdomen. All are light green with black ring stripes and golden spots.

It lives among the branches and leaves of fennel and feeds on its leaves and twigs.

[collection] catch them in summer and autumn. After catching them, they will be drunk to death and baked slowly.

[chemical composition] the components of essential oil in larvae are: p-methoxycinnamaldehyde, p-methoxycinnamic acid, p-methoxybenzaldehyde and p-methoxybenzoic acid.

[Xing Wei] the sequel of pinhui essence: "the taste is sweet and spicy, the nature is warm. "

[function indications] it is used to treat stomachache, choking diaphragm and small intestinal hernia.

① Ben Cao Yan Yi: "treat small intestine Qi. "

② Collection of commonly used folk herbal medicines: "treating stomachache. "

③ Sichuan Traditional Chinese medicine annals: "treating choking diaphragm. "

[usage and dosage] oral administration: decoction, 1-3; or powder.

Avoid taking it when the stomach is hot.

Chinese PinYin : Hui Xiang Chong