Mechanism of Using *Jinsha Niu* (Mole Cricket) in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Treating Gallstones
*Jinsha Niu* (also known as mole cricket or *Lou Gu*) is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat gallstones, primarily based on its traditional functions of **"promoting urination and expelling stones"** and **"inducing diuresis to reduce swelling."** According to TCM theory, gallstones (classified under "hypochondriac pain," "jaundice," or "gallbladder distension") are treated through the following mechanisms, along with examples of *Wu Jin Tang* formulations.
---
I. TCM Mechanism of *Jinsha Niu* in Treating Gallstones
1. **Diuresis and Stone Expulsion**
*Jinsha Niu* has a salty and cold nature, acting on the **bladder and small intestine meridians**. Traditionally used for urinary disorders and edema, its diuretic effect may promote bile secretion and excretion, aiding in the passage of small stones.
2. **Resolving Blood Stasis and Dissolving Masses**
Gallstones often result from **damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder** or **qi stagnation and blood stasis**. *Jinsha Niu* may help dissolve obstructions by promoting blood circulation and breaking up accumulations.
3. **Synergistic Effects with Other Herbs**
It is often combined with other gallstone-dissolving herbs like ***Jin Qian Cao* (Lysimachia)** and ***Hai Jin Sha* (Lygodium Spores)** to enhance liver-gallbladder regulation and stone expulsion.
---
II. Example Formulations of *Wu Jin Tang* (Five "Gold" Decoction)
The *Wu Jin Tang* is a classic TCM formula for gallstones, typically composed of five herbs with names containing the character **"gold" (金, *Jin*)**. The core ingredients include:
Basic Formula
1. **Jin Qian Cao (Lysimachia)** 30g – Promotes bile flow, clears damp-heat, and expels stones.
2. **Hai Jin Sha (Lygodium Spores)** 15g (wrapped for decoction) – Clears heat, relieves pain, and treats urinary stones.
3. **Ji Nei Jin (Chicken Gizzard Membrane)** 10g – Aids digestion, dissolves stones, and strengthens the spleen.
4. **Yu Jin (Turmeric Root Tuber)** 10g – Moves qi, resolves blood stasis, and soothes the liver.
5. **Jin Sha Niu (Mole Cricket)** 6g – Promotes diuresis and stone expulsion.
Modifications Based on Syndrome Differentiation
- **Liver-Gallbladder Damp-Heat**: Add *Yin Chen Hao* (Artemisia) 15g, *Zhi Zi* (Gardenia) 10g, and *Da Huang* (Rhubarb) 6g (added near the end of boiling).
- **Qi Stagnation and Pain**: Add *Chai Hu* (Bupleurum) 10g, *Zhi Ke* (Bitter Orange) 10g, and *Yan Hu Suo* (Corydalis) 10g.
- **Chronic Blood Stasis**: Add *Dan Shen* (Salvia) 15g and *Tao Ren* (Peach Seed) 10g.
- **Spleen Deficiency**: Add *Bai Zhu* (Atractylodes) 15g and *Fu Ling* (Poria) 15g.
Administration
Decoct in water, take one dose daily, divided into two warm servings. The treatment course usually lasts **1–3 months**, adjusted based on the patient’s constitution.
---
III. Precautions
1. **Syndrome Differentiation Required**: Gallstone treatment varies (e.g., qi stagnation type, damp-heat type, blood stasis type), so *Wu Jin Tang* must be modified accordingly.
2. **Contraindications**: *Jin Sha Niu* should be used cautiously in **pregnant women** or those with **weak constitutions**. For **large stones (>1 cm)** or **infections**, Western medical intervention may be necessary.
3. **Modern Research**: Some herbs (e.g., *Jin Qian Cao*) may help regulate bile composition and promote gallbladder contractions, but further studies are needed.
**Recommendation**: Use under the guidance of a TCM practitioner, combined with dietary adjustments (low-fat, avoid greasy foods) and regular ultrasound monitoring.