Witnessed by: TCM
Hornet / paper-wasp nest, of the Vespidae (Insecta) family. The layered papery nest (comb) built by hornets and paper-wasps; native range: the papery combs of hornets and paper-wasps, gathered in autumn and winter across China and east Asia. Globally recognized as lu feng fang (露蜂房), feng wo (蜂窩) in Chinese, and hornets' nest, wasp comb in English. The part used is the whole dried nest. A light, grey-brown papery comb of many small cells, brittle and near weightless, faintly musty.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
HORNETS' NEST
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- hornet / paper-wasp nest
- Family
- Vespidae (Insecta)
Form
- Part used
- the whole dried nest
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet (甘)
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral (平)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Stomach
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- dispels wind and resolves toxicity, kills parasites and stops itching, dissipates swelling and relieves pain, and dispels wind-damp
Cautions
- Contraindications
- qi and blood deficiency; use with care in ulcerated sores
- Toxicity
- slightly toxic; avoid excessive internal dose
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