Evidence supporting the use of: Earthworm
For the health condition: Bleeding (external)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Earthworm (commonly referred to as "Di Long" in Traditional Chinese Medicine) has been used traditionally in several Asian medical systems for a variety of conditions, including external bleeding. Historical records and classical TCM texts document its use as an ingredient in topical formulations, often combined with other herbs, to help stop bleeding from wounds or injuries. The rationale in traditional practice often centers on the earthworm’s perceived effects on blood circulation and its ability to “cool the blood” and “resolve stasis,” which, according to TCM theory, can contribute to hemostasis (the stopping of bleeding).
However, there is very limited scientific research specifically validating the external use of earthworm extracts or preparations for treating bleeding. Most modern studies on earthworm extracts focus on their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or fibrinolytic (clot-dissolving) properties, rather than direct hemostatic (bleeding-stopping) effects. While some laboratory studies have identified bioactive components in earthworms, such as lumbrokinase, these are mainly investigated for cardiovascular conditions rather than topical bleeding. Therefore, the support for its use in treating external bleeding remains primarily traditional, with minimal direct scientific evidence.
Other ingredients used for Bleeding (external)
aloe verabamboo
basil
bayberry
myrobalan
betel
black cumin
blackberry
chamomile
coating
Coptis chinensis
curcumin
horsetail
Indian gum arabic tree
plantain
protein
raspberry
sage
scrophularia root
vitamin C
vitamin K
bentonite
squawvine
parthenium
chickweed
papaya
shen-chu
capsicum
mugwort
clerodendrum indicum
commiphora
caesalpinia crista
peony
boxthorne
yarrow
moss
myrrh
fern
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
wintergreen
camphor oil
shepherd's purse
wood betony
paw paw
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
geranium
arnica
sea salt
Ash
Avens
Animal Tissue
Asiaticoside
Ardisia
Angelica
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Ajuga
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Ashoka
Abuta
Alkanna
Alstonia macrophylla
Amor seco
Bee Propolis
Betony
Bermuda Grass
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bistort
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Bethroot
Bletilla
Bur-Reed
Bioflavonoids
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Black root
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Calendula
Casearia esculenta
Chlorophyllin
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Cornflower
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Catechu
Celandine
Cedar
Centipeda
Common madia
cypress
Cranesbill
Cedrus libani
Catkin
Cocklebur
Carthamus
European Elder
Eupatorium
Little ironweed
Metal Salt
Sumac
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Earthworm
Abdominal PainArthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bleeding (external)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Chest Pain
Chills
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Colic (adults)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Edema
Epilepsy
Fever
Gout
Headache (general)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Jaundice (adults)