Earth bull is the larva of the antlion in the family Myrmelontidae, distributed in South China, Taiwan, Sichuan, and other regions. It has the effects of promoting diuresis, stopping malaria, softening hard masses, and detoxifying and eliminating putrefaction. It is commonly used to treat sand-filtering, malaria, abdominal masses, tuberculosis of lymph nodes, and chronic non-healing ulcers.
Image of earth bull
Earth bulls are often found under dry eaves or in cultivated fields, with sandy loam or fine mud soil being their favorite. Digging for earth bulls became a popular activity back then, as they could easily be found in shallow sand pits. These funnel-shaped burrows serve as their hunting tools, and the small insects that fall into the pit become their food.
On summer nights, there is always an insect resembling a moth flying around the light, causing annoyance. This insect is the adult form of the earth bull, known as the antlion.
The adult earth bulls live in grassy areas and mostly fly at dusk, while the larvae inhabit dry sandy soil and create funnel-shaped burrows where they wait at the bottom for small insects to fall in and become their prey. They are distributed in South China, Taiwan, Sichuan, and other regions.
In addition to being used as a folk medicinal material, the earth bull is also an important ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. It has a good effect on various diseases such as hypertension, urinary system stones, gallstones, and osteomyelitis.
Image of earth bull
This little creature is quite peculiar, as it constantly moves backwards. Therefore, it is commonly referred to as "old deaf," "blind turtle," or "backward insect."
The head of the earth bull has a pair of powerful mandibles that protrude forward, resembling deer antlers. These sharp and curved hollow tubes are formed by the upper and lower mandibles.
Its hunting method is similar to humans digging traps. It will rotate and dig down on the sandy ground, creating a funnel-shaped trap. It hides under the sand at the bottom of the funnel and uses its mandibles to flick sand outward, making the surroundings of the funnel smooth and steep. When ants or small insects crawl into the trap, it drags them into the sand and consumes them.
Image of earth bull
Treatment for malaria: Take eleven earth bulls, mix with alcohol and swallow. Take one dose half an hour before the onset of malaria. For chronic malaria, take for one week.
Treatment for pediatric malaria: Take seven earth bulls, fry them until fragrant, and swallow with hot water.
Treatment for carbuncle and abscess: Take seven earth bulls, crush six of them and apply the powder to the top of the carbuncle, and place the remaining one on the carbuncle without crushing it. Wrap it with cloth. (Note: The above formulas are from "Secret Formulas of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Guizhou Province".)
Treatment for ulcers and wounds: Mix sand bull with borax and a small amount of borneol, crush it into a paste, and apply it to the ulcer, then cover it with adhesive plaster. (From "Essential Knowledge of Medicinal Properties of Herbal Medicine")
Treatment for bamboo or wood thorns and iron sand embedded in the flesh: Combine earth bull with pumpkin pulp and apply it to the affected area. (From "Sichuan Materia Medica")
