✵This article documents the herb Earthworm, including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, and its source — four animal species: (1) Pheretima aspergillum (Perrier), (2) Pheretima vulgaris Chen, (3) Pheretima guillelmi (Michaelsen), and (4) Pheretima pectinifera Michaelsen. It provides a detailed introduction to the morphological characteristics, life habits, and ecological environments of these four species; the features of the herb Earthworm; its pharmacological actions; medicinal efficacy; and administration guidelines.
Lumbricus (Earthworm)
Pinyin Name: Dì Lónɡ
English Name: Earthworm
Latin Name:Lumbricus Properties and Flavor: Cold in nature; salty in taste
Brief Introduction: The herb Lumbricus is the dried whole body of Pheretima aspergillum (Perrier) or Amynthas corticis (formerly classified as Allolobophora caliginosa (Savigny) trapezoides (Ant. Duges)), used to clear heat, extinguish wind, unblock the collaterals, relieve asthma, and promote diuresis. It is indicated for convulsions due to high fever, rheumatic arthralgia, hemiplegia, bronchial asthma, and urinary retention caused by accumulated heat in the bladder. The herb is commonly known as Lumbricus, Earthworm, Pheretima, or Dì Lóng.
Source: Classical herbal works define the herb Lumbricus (Earthworm) as the dried whole body of the following species: (1) Pheretima aspergillum (Perrier), (2) Pheretima vulgaris Chen, (3) Pheretima guillelmi (Michaelsen), and (4) Pheretima pectinifera Michaelsen. These are small annelids belonging to the genus Pheretima, family Megascolecidae, order Opisthopora. Descriptions of these four commonly used species follow.
(1) Pheretima aspergillum (Perrier)
Description: It is commonly known as Cān Huán Máo Yǐn. It grows 115–375 mm in length and 5–12 mm in width. The dorsal pore begins at the 11th/12th intersegmental groove. It has three body bands; the integument is glabrous and bears setae. The girdle bristles are thick and rigid anteriorly, black at the tips, widely spaced, and located abaxially. The spermathecal openings are situated between the 30th and 34th segments; the male genital pores are located between the 28th and 30th segments; the pores of the male glands are densely arranged—6 to 7 per side. The male genital pore lies on the ventral setal circle of the segment; its outer margin is surrounded by shallow pleats, the inner setal circle is elevated, and both anterior and posterior margins bear one or two horizontal rows of small mastoid processes—10 to 20 on each side. The seminal vesicle pores occur in two pairs, located on an oval protrusion between the 7th/8th and 8th/9th segments, occupying approximately 5/11 of the circumference of the segment. The ventral side of the opening bears one or two horizontal rows of mastoid processes; about 10 such processes are absent at a distance from the opening. Diaphragms between segments 8/9 and 9/10 are absent. The cecum is simple or ventrally lobed with dentate sacs. The seminal vesicles are sac-like, with short tubules and short blind tubules. Internally, approximately two-thirds of the vesicle exhibits slight bends forming turns. Each accessory gonad is massive, with a granular surface, and each is connected to the mastoid process by a group of thick cords. The dorsum is purplish gray, slightly lighter posteriorly, with white setae.
Earthworms prefer warm environments and are highly sensitive to temperature; they adjust their burrowing depth in soil accordingly. They generally inhabit moist, loose, and fertile soils; however, excessive moisture blocks soil pores, impeding cutaneous respiration and potentially causing suffocation. Earthworms emerge from the soil after rainfall. They are nocturnal organisms, extremely photophobic—preferring darkness and avoiding intense sunlight and ultraviolet radiation—but are not repelled by red light and show tolerance to low-intensity illumination. Typically, they emerge at dusk to feed and mate, returning underground before dawn. They prefer quiet conditions and are disturbed by noise or vibration. Earthworms possess a strong regenerative capacity when parts of their bodies are injured or amputated. Their lifespan ranges from 1 to 3 years.
Ecological Environment: Earthworms inhabit moist, loose, humus-rich soil and move slowly. They feed on organic matter rich in humus.
Characteristics of the Herb: It is a long, strip-shaped, slightly curved sheet with gently curled edges, measuring 15–20 cm in length and 1–2 cm in width. The entire body is segmented; the dorsum is brown to purplish gray, and the venter is light yellowish brown. Segments 14–16 form the clitellum—commonly termed the “white neck”—which appears brighter than adjacent regions. The anterior end is slightly pointed; the caudal end is blunt; the ventral setal circles are rough and rigid, with slightly lighter pigmentation. The male genital pore is located on a small protrusion of the ventral setal circle of the 18th segment. Its outer margin features several concentric shallow skin folds; the inner setal circle is elevated; and the anterior margin bears one or two horizontal rows of papillae—10 to 20 on each side. There are three pairs of spermathecal orifices, situated on an elliptical protrusion between the 6th and 9th segments, occupying approximately 5/11 of the segment’s circumference. The herb is lightweight and slightly coriaceous, resistant to breakage. It has a fishy odor and tastes slightly salty. The herb prepared from this species is known as Guang Di Long.
(2) Pheretima vulgaris Chen
Description: It is commonly known as Tōng Sú Huán Máo Yǐn. This species resembles Pheretima guillelmi (Michaelsen) in size, color, and internal anatomy. However, its spermathecal cavity is deeper and broader, with both anterior and posterior margins swollen; one large and one small papilla are visible within the cavity. The male copulatory cavity is also deep and wide; its inner wall bears numerous folds and three flat-topped papillae located at the base of the cavity—one of which corresponds to the epiandrum (male genital pore) and is fully evaginable.
Ecological Environment: It inhabits moist habitats rich in organic matter.
Characteristics of the Herb: It is 8–15 cm long and 0.5–1.5 cm wide. The whole body has somites; the back is dark brown (chocolate brown) to yellow-brown, and the abdomen is light yellowish brown. There are three pairs of spermathecal orifices, located at the 6th–7th, 7th–8th, and 8th–9th somites. Somites 14–16 form the clitellum, which is brighter. The 18th somite bears a pair of male genital pores (genital ostia). The male mating cavity of Pheretima vulgaris Chen can evert completely and is cauliflower-shaped; that of Pheretima guillelmi (Michaelsen) is longitudinally fissured. One or more papillae occur on the inner side of the male genital pore of Pheretima pectinifera. The morphological features of the dried herb derived from Pheretima vulgaris, Pheretima guillelmi, and Pheretima pectinifera are similar; the herb prepared from these three species is known as Hu Di Long.
(3) Pheretima guillelmi (Michaelsen)
Description: It is commonly known as Wēi Lián Huán Máo Yǐn. It is 9.6–15 cm long and 5–8 mm wide. The dorsum is sallow (bluish-yellow) or gray-blue; the dorsomeson (dorsal line) is teal. The number of body somites ranges from 88 to 156. The clitellum occupies somites 14–16, is ring-shaped, and lacks setae. Body setae are finer; the ventral surface of the anterior region is sparsely and thinly setose. The male genital pores (genital ostia) lie within shallow mating cavities on both sides of the 18th somite; when sunken, each cavity appears as a longitudinal fissure. The inner wall bears rugae; two to three setae occur between adjacent rugae. A protrusion on the cavity floor is the epiandrum; papillae usually occur anterior to this protrusion. Spermathecal orifices occur in three pairs, located between the 6th–7th, 7th–8th, and 8th–9th somites. Each orifice sits atop a small protrusion within a transverse fissure and lacks a spermathecal cavity. The septum is absent between somites 8–9 and 9–10; the caecum is simple. The inner two-thirds of the spermathecal caecum is planar and bends leftward and rightward—this portion constitutes the spermatheca (seminal receptacle).
Ecological Environment: It prefers dark, moist, well-ventilated, oxygen-rich environments rich in organic matter; it avoids strong light, desiccation, high temperature, and hypoxia. Air humidity must exceed 60%. Its survival temperature range is 5–30 °C (41–86 °F); the optimal growth temperature is 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Dormancy commences below 5 °C (41 °F). Its diet is highly varied; carrion and other organic matter are utilized. It is hermaphroditic and cross-fertilizing; worm cocoon morphology is taxonomically diagnostic. Sexual maturity is typically reached in 3–6 months; reproduction occurs approximately every three months, yielding 3–4 clutches per year, each containing 2–3 cocoons. Terrestrial earthworms grow rapidly—especially pre-sexually mature individuals—whose body mass nearly doubles every 10 days. Lifespan varies widely: minimum longevity exceeds 200 days; maximum may reach 10 years.
Characteristics of the Herb: The morphological features of the dried herb derived from Pheretima vulgaris, Pheretima guillelmi, and Pheretima pectinifera are similar.
(4) Pheretima pectinifera Michaelsen.
Description: It is commonly known as Zhì Máng Huán Máo Yǐn. The body is 10–15 cm long and 5–9 mm wide; the dorsum and lateral surfaces are modena (dark purple) or prunus (violet-red); the setal ring is not white. The clitellum spans three somites and lacks setae. Anterior setae are thick, but those on somites 2–9 are not especially thick. The male genital pore (genital ostium) lies centrally within a cruciform protrusion and is often covered by a gibbous skin fold; one or several papillae are present, with highly variable arrangement. Spermathecal orifices occur in three pairs, located between the 6th–7th, 7th–8th, and 8th–9th somites; each orifice lies approximately halfway along the somite perimeter. The orifice is situated on the posterior side of a papilla; epidermal glands on both anterior and posterior sides are swollen; the orifice is often sunken; the ventral surface surrounding the orifice lies either anterior or posterior to the setal ring and bears papillae arranged in rows. The septum is absent between somites 8–9 and 9–10. The caecum is double; its ventral surface bears comb-shaped follicles. The accessory sexual gland possesses a short tubular duct. The caecus is longer than the spermatheca; its inner three-quarters is slightly thickened—either straight or gently curved.
Ecological Environment: It inhabits moist, organically rich habitats.
Characteristics of the Herb: The morphological features of the dried herb derived from Pheretima vulgaris, Pheretima guillelmi, and Pheretima pectinifera are similar.
Pharmacological Actions: (1) thrombolytic and anticoagulant effects; (2) hypotensive activity (i.e., blood pressure–lowering effect); (3) prevention and alleviation of cerebral arterial thrombosis (apoplexy); (4) antiasthmatic activity; (5) antipyretic effect; and so on.
Medicinal efficacy: Clearing heat and arresting convulsions; calming the liver and extinguishing wind (to relieve dizziness, high fever, infantile convulsions, epilepsy, etc.); activating the collaterals; relieving asthma; and promoting diuresis. It is indicated for high fever with coma (hyperpyrexia or ardent fever accompanied by unconsciousness), febrile diseases presenting with fever and delirium, fright-induced epilepsy and convulsions, liver-Yang–type headache (headache due to hyperactivity of liver-Yang), arthralgia of the joints, limb numbness, stroke with hemiplegia, rheumatic arthralgia, lung-heat–induced dyspnea and cough, edema with oliguria, urinary retention, etc.
Administration of Lumbricus (Dì Lónɡ):
Reference:
Administration Guide of Lumbricus (Dì Lónɡ)
TCM Books:
(1) Internally: 5–10 grams; (2) Internally: water decoction, 5–10 grams; or as finely powdered herb, 1–2 grams per dose; or formulated into pills or powders; or fresh herb mixed with sugar water or saline solution for oral intake. External use: an appropriate amount—crush fresh herb and apply as a poultice; or extract the juice and apply topically; or use the finely powdered herb for sprinkling or mixing and topical application.
Contraindications, Precautions, and Adverse Reactions: Lumbricus is contraindicated during pregnancy.
✵This article documents the herb Earthworm, including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, and its source — four animal species: (1) Pheretima aspergillum (Perrier), (2) Pheretima vulgaris Chen, (3) Pheretima guillelmi (Michaelsen), and (4) Pheretima pectinifera Michaelsen. It provides a detailed introduction to the morphological characteristics, life habits, and ecological environments of these four species; the features of the herb Earthworm; its pharmacological actions; medicinal efficacy; and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Dì Lónɡ
Description: It is commonly known as Cān Huán Máo Yǐn. It grows 115–375 mm in length and 5–12 mm in width. The dorsal pore begins at the 11th/12th intersegmental groove. It has three body bands; the integument is glabrous and bears setae. The girdle bristles are thick and rigid anteriorly, black at the tips, widely spaced, and located abaxially. The spermathecal openings are situated between the 30th and 34th segments; the male genital pores are located between the 28th and 30th segments; the pores of the male glands are densely arranged—6 to 7 per side. The male genital pore lies on the ventral setal circle of the segment; its outer margin is surrounded by shallow pleats, the inner setal circle is elevated, and both anterior and posterior margins bear one or two horizontal rows of small mastoid processes—10 to 20 on each side. The seminal vesicle pores occur in two pairs, located on an oval protrusion between the 7th/8th and 8th/9th segments, occupying approximately 5/11 of the circumference of the segment. The ventral side of the opening bears one or two horizontal rows of mastoid processes; about 10 such processes are absent at a distance from the opening. Diaphragms between segments 8/9 and 9/10 are absent. The cecum is simple or ventrally lobed with dentate sacs. The seminal vesicles are sac-like, with short tubules and short blind tubules. Internally, approximately two-thirds of the vesicle exhibits slight bends forming turns. Each accessory gonad is massive, with a granular surface, and each is connected to the mastoid process by a group of thick cords. The dorsum is purplish gray, slightly lighter posteriorly, with white setae.
Earthworms prefer warm environments and are highly sensitive to temperature; they adjust their burrowing depth in soil accordingly. They generally inhabit moist, loose, and fertile soils; however, excessive moisture blocks soil pores, impeding cutaneous respiration and potentially causing suffocation. Earthworms emerge from the soil after rainfall. They are nocturnal organisms, extremely photophobic—preferring darkness and avoiding intense sunlight and ultraviolet radiation—but are not repelled by red light and show tolerance to low-intensity illumination. Typically, they emerge at dusk to feed and mate, returning underground before dawn. They prefer quiet conditions and are disturbed by noise or vibration. Earthworms possess a strong regenerative capacity when parts of their bodies are injured or amputated. Their lifespan ranges from 1 to 3 years.
Ecological Environment: Earthworms inhabit moist, loose, humus-rich soil and move slowly. They feed on organic matter rich in humus.
Characteristics of the Herb: It is a long, strip-shaped, slightly curved sheet with gently curled edges, measuring 15–20 cm in length and 1–2 cm in width. The entire body is segmented; the dorsum is brown to purplish gray, and the venter is light yellowish brown. Segments 14–16 form the clitellum—commonly termed the “white neck”—which appears brighter than adjacent regions. The anterior end is slightly pointed; the caudal end is blunt; the ventral setal circles are rough and rigid, with slightly lighter pigmentation. The male genital pore is located on a small protrusion of the ventral setal circle of the 18th segment. Its outer margin features several concentric shallow skin folds; the inner setal circle is elevated; and the anterior margin bears one or two horizontal rows of papillae—10 to 20 on each side. There are three pairs of spermathecal orifices, situated on an elliptical protrusion between the 6th and 9th segments, occupying approximately 5/11 of the segment’s circumference. The herb is lightweight and slightly coriaceous, resistant to breakage. It has a fishy odor and tastes slightly salty. The herb prepared from this species is known as Guang Di Long.
Description: It is commonly known as Tōng Sú Huán Máo Yǐn. This species resembles Pheretima guillelmi (Michaelsen) in size, color, and internal anatomy. However, its spermathecal cavity is deeper and broader, with both anterior and posterior margins swollen; one large and one small papilla are visible within the cavity. The male copulatory cavity is also deep and wide; its inner wall bears numerous folds and three flat-topped papillae located at the base of the cavity—one of which corresponds to the epiandrum (male genital pore) and is fully evaginable.
Ecological Environment: It inhabits moist habitats rich in organic matter.
Characteristics of the Herb: It is 8–15 cm long and 0.5–1.5 cm wide. The whole body has somites; the back is dark brown (chocolate brown) to yellow-brown, and the abdomen is light yellowish brown. There are three pairs of spermathecal orifices, located at the 6th–7th, 7th–8th, and 8th–9th somites. Somites 14–16 form the clitellum, which is brighter. The 18th somite bears a pair of male genital pores (genital ostia). The male mating cavity of Pheretima vulgaris Chen can evert completely and is cauliflower-shaped; that of Pheretima guillelmi (Michaelsen) is longitudinally fissured. One or more papillae occur on the inner side of the male genital pore of Pheretima pectinifera. The morphological features of the dried herb derived from Pheretima vulgaris, Pheretima guillelmi, and Pheretima pectinifera are similar; the herb prepared from these three species is known as Hu Di Long.
Description: It is commonly known as Wēi Lián Huán Máo Yǐn. It is 9.6–15 cm long and 5–8 mm wide. The dorsum is sallow (bluish-yellow) or gray-blue; the dorsomeson (dorsal line) is teal. The number of body somites ranges from 88 to 156. The clitellum occupies somites 14–16, is ring-shaped, and lacks setae. Body setae are finer; the ventral surface of the anterior region is sparsely and thinly setose. The male genital pores (genital ostia) lie within shallow mating cavities on both sides of the 18th somite; when sunken, each cavity appears as a longitudinal fissure. The inner wall bears rugae; two to three setae occur between adjacent rugae. A protrusion on the cavity floor is the epiandrum; papillae usually occur anterior to this protrusion. Spermathecal orifices occur in three pairs, located between the 6th–7th, 7th–8th, and 8th–9th somites. Each orifice sits atop a small protrusion within a transverse fissure and lacks a spermathecal cavity. The septum is absent between somites 8–9 and 9–10; the caecum is simple. The inner two-thirds of the spermathecal caecum is planar and bends leftward and rightward—this portion constitutes the spermatheca (seminal receptacle).
Description: It is commonly known as Zhì Máng Huán Máo Yǐn. The body is 10–15 cm long and 5–9 mm wide; the dorsum and lateral surfaces are modena (dark purple) or prunus (violet-red); the setal ring is not white. The clitellum spans three somites and lacks setae. Anterior setae are thick, but those on somites 2–9 are not especially thick. The male genital pore (genital ostium) lies centrally within a cruciform protrusion and is often covered by a gibbous skin fold; one or several papillae are present, with highly variable arrangement. Spermathecal orifices occur in three pairs, located between the 6th–7th, 7th–8th, and 8th–9th somites; each orifice lies approximately halfway along the somite perimeter. The orifice is situated on the posterior side of a papilla; epidermal glands on both anterior and posterior sides are swollen; the orifice is often sunken; the ventral surface surrounding the orifice lies either anterior or posterior to the setal ring and bears papillae arranged in rows. The septum is absent between somites 8–9 and 9–10. The caecum is double; its ventral surface bears comb-shaped follicles. The accessory sexual gland possesses a short tubular duct. The caecus is longer than the spermatheca; its inner three-quarters is slightly thickened—either straight or gently curved.
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