Chinese Blistering Beetle

Primarily produced in Chinese provinces of Anhui, Henan, Guizhou, Hunan, Guangxi.

Mylabris phalerata Pallas: Long round shape, 1.5~2.5cm long, 0.5~1cm wide. Head and the mouthparts are downward, with relatively large compound eyes and one pair of antennas, which have mostly fallen off. Back has one pair of leathery wing-sheaths, black in color; 3 yellow or brownish-yellow horizontal wrinkles; lower surface of the wing-sheath has 2 inner wings that are brown, thin, membranous and transparent. Thorax and abdomen are black; thorax has 3 pairs of legs. Distinctive unpleasant odor. Mylabris cichorii L: Relatively small, 1~1.5cm long.

Superior medicinal material is large, intact, brightly colored, without a rancid odor.

Acrid, hot; very toxic.

Breaks the blood and disperses abdominal masses, attacks the toxin of sores. Apply to conglomeration and swelling, chronic tinea, scrofula, wart, carbuncles, malign sores and dead flesh.

Rice-processed ban mao: Fry clean ban mao and rice, till the rice turned into yellowish-brown, then take out, and remove the head, wings and legs. Every 10kg ban mao needs rice 2kg. This can reduce the toxicity of crude drug.