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Photo of Centipede

Centipede

蜈蚣 · Wú Gōng

Eases severe spasms and stubborn neuralgia

Properties

WarmingWarming botanicalPungent

Concerns

Inflammation

What it does

Centipede eases severe spasms, intractable headaches, and stubborn neuralgia. In TCM, those patterns are called internal wind, the sudden, jerky quality of disease often arising from the liver. Centipede calms it. It also frees small blood pathways and resolves toxic swellings like scrofula. Often paired with scorpion in classical formulas for stroke recovery and chronic migraine.

How to take it

Capsule

Centipede is used only in practitioner-prescribed formulas. Processed dried centipede is typically dosed at 1–3g daily. Powder form is most common.

See a TCM practitioner. This is not a self-use botanical

Safety

  • Toxic. Use only processed forms prescribed by a TCM practitioner
  • Strictly avoid during pregnancy
  • Not for people with severe seafood or insect allergies
  • Strong-acting. Avoid long-term continuous use
  • Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication

Where it comes from

Centipede has been a TCM staple for over 2,000 years. The species used (Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans) is harvested across southern China and processed by drying on bamboo splints. In TCM, centipede and scorpion are often called the 'two insects' duo and combined for stroke recovery, severe migraines, and tetanus. Modern research is limited but has explored centipede peptides for anticancer and pain effects.