Hornets Nest
Hornets Nest (Lu Feng Fang)
Botanical Name: Eastern (most commonly used) – Nidus Vespae, Polistes mandarainus Saussure, P. olivaceus, P. japonicus Saussure, Parapolybia varia Fabricius.
There are several species of hornets (or wasps) nests that are used medicinally all with similar properties. While not often used in Western herbs they have a long history of medicinal value in Traditional Chinese Medicine where they are documented as being effective for treating skin rashes, promoting blood coagulation and treating mastitis. The herb is slightly toxic so dosage is important. Some Chinese doctors feel hornets nests have an even stronger antibacterial effect than penicillin.
Below is an overview of Hornets Nest (Lu Feng Fang), combining and interpreting the best of Western Science, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore and more. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of Hornets Nest (Lu Feng Fang).
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Western
Western Name: Hornets Nest
Also Known As: Wasp Nest, Honeycomb
Organs/Systems: Skin
Key Western Actions & Medicinal Uses: Hemostatic, Antibacterial, Possible Anticancer, Antifungal, Insecticidal, Detoxicant. Impotence, ringworm, psoriasis, toothache, skin rashes.

Eastern
Pin Yin: Lu Feng Fang
Also Known As: Feng Fang
Meridians: Lung, Stomach, Kidney, Liver
Key TCM Actions & Medicinal Uses: Reduces Inflammation/Relieves Pain: arthritis, joint aches, carbuncles, stubborn psoriasis, breast cancer. Expels Wind Heat and Wind Damp: pain caused by Wind Heat, toothache, rashes, mastitis. Nourishes Jing: impotence, leucorrhea, chronic coughs. Promotes Blood Clotting. Counteracts Toxic Substances.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Dried Wasp Nest, Raw or Fried
Flavors/Temps: Slightly Sweet, Neutral, Mildly Toxic
Caution: Due to slight toxicity improper dosing and preparation can lead to poisoning with early stage signs such as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, facial swelling, limbs and back pain. Large doses can cause nephritis. Not recommended where skin sores have already burst.
History/Folklore: In China, the history of using hornets nests as a medicine dates all the way back to the first herbal monogram book called the Sheng Nong Ben Cao (Agricultural Gods Canon of Materia Medica).
The nests are collected in the autumn and winter, then dried in the sun, or slightly steamed to remove the dead wasps and nest eggs and then dried in the sun.
There are several varieties of wasp nests used to make medicines with the most common species being Polistes mandarainus, P. olivaceus, P. japonicus, or Parapolybia varia Fabricius.
Do not confuse hornets nests with the popular herb oak galls. Oak galls are formed on many species of oak trees and are caused by the chemicals injected by gall wasps (in the family Cynipidea) into the barks of the oak trees. They are about 2-4 centimeters in diameter and are typically used to promote vaginal health in women. Some Chinese doctors claim that the antibacterial effects of hornets nest is even better than penicillin.
Hornets nest is known for shortening blood coagulation time.
The Chinese have successfully used hornets nest in treating various cancers, including breast cancer. The herb continues to be studied in order to better understand the underlying mechanisms that contribute to its being effective in treating various cancers. The herb is known in China for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor and anesthetic properties. The Chinese have successfully used Nidus Vespae for thousands of years to treat malignant tumors, rheumatoid arthritis, lung diseases, skin disorders, urinary disorders and dental diseases.
The recommended honeycomb dosage is typically 5-10g in decoction and 2-5g in powder form 0.3g of dry-fried hornets nest in wine taken 4x a day for 3 days can help cure mastitis with no toxic side effects being noted. This approach is not recommended for suppurative mastitis.
Good quality is greyish-white, lightweight, elastic and will have long, small holes.
Wasps prey on other insects such as caterpillars, flies, crickets, and other small insects. In the late summer and fall their diets shift to include a preference for sweet flavors which is why you will then find them attracted to your soda drinks while on picnics or eating outside at this time of year.
In Native American cultures wasps, hornets and yellow-jackets are associated with the energy of powerful female warriors. They are a symbol for sisterhood, compassion, power with humility and the power of duality. They are a sign of harmonizing life and death, yin and yang, and making life-affirming transformations. They are comfortable in groups but can also stand alone. Wasp people are independent thinkers. They are said to be the holders of the secrets of sacred geometry as they always build six sided nests.
Key Constituents:
Mainly a toxic volatile Honeycomb oil (Beeswax, Resin, Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Inorganic salts, Calcium, Iron, Protein).

Promotes Blood Clotting
Hornets nest extract prepared in acetone is considered in China to be the best at promoting blood clotting. It is often considered better than other hemostatic pharmaceutical varieties on the market.

Ointment
An ointment or wash made from hornets nest is good for treating scabies, psoriasis, ringworm, swollen glands, sores and carbuncles.

Gargle
A gargle made from hornets nest is useful for treating toothache, especially one that feels as if a worm is burrowing in the tooth.
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