Parts Most Frequently Used: Dried Body, Tail

Flavors/Temps: Acrid, Salty, Neutral, Toxic

Caution: Considered safe except during pregnancy.

Key Constituents: Scorpion Venom – Protein that resembles neurotoxic poison. Scorpion Hydrolysate – Amino acids including Threonine, Serine, Glutamic acid, Glycine, Alanine, Cystine, Valine, Methionine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Tyrosine, Arginine and Proline, 29 kinds of organic elements including Sodium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese and Chlorine.

History/Folklore: In China, there are 15 species with Buthus martensii being the most common. The dried body is the main medicinal source. Once captured they are soaked in water to allow them to spit out any dirt. They are then either boiled in water or salt water until they become stiff. They are kept in a cool, dry place for drying and storing. In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), scorpions are an example of fighting poison with poison.

Scorpions existed long before dinosaurs. The oldest known fossil record of scorpions indicates that they evolved around 430 million years ago and may have had gills as they evolved from water onto land.

Scorpions have been used for over 2,000 years in China as a surprisingly effective treatment for tremors and seizure-type symptoms. These include nervous system disorders, cerebrovascular disorders, malignant tumors, stubborn viruses, tetanus, strokes, and more. Typically in China, they are caught in the Spring and Summer. The ones caught between the areas of Qingming and Guyu are believed to have the best medicinal value.

Preparations made from the scorpion body or tail, have significant analgesic effects on somatic and visceral pain. The Scorpion’s tail has five times the analgesic effects of the scorpion’s body, making it the best part for treating pain. Scorpion wine is a popular analgesic and antidote preparation.

Many studies have shown scorpion venom to be effective as a pain reliever in cases of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Scorpion venom’s active polypeptide shortens wound healing with a stronger anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect that may be useful for topical treatments of diabetic ulcers.

Scorpion venom also shows signs of being useful for killing malarial pathogens. Some species contain antimicrobial peptides that can help fight yeast, fungi, bacterial, and viral infections. Studies are being done to explore the isolation of certain molecules in the venom that may help fight cancer.

Scorpion poisoning due to the venom is mainly a function of either overdose or allergic reactions. Their venom can contain dozens of different toxins. If you are bitten by a scorpion, wash the area carefully with soap and water. Apply cool compresses or an ice pack to the bite. Keep the bitten area raised to prevent the spread of the venom and use ibuprofen to help counter inflammation.

Dosages need to be carefully monitored. The recommended dosage is 2-5 grams in decoction or 0.5-1 grams in pills or powder. In addition, the dosage of the tail should be one-third of that of the body.

Studies done at Stanford University and in Mexico have found that two color-changing compounds in the venom may help fight bacterial infections.

The peptides in scorpions interact with our bodies’ sodium channels to ease pain. Scorpion gel is a topical analgesic (pain killer) that relieves acute musculoskeletal pain or joint pain. It reduces pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Scorpions are a symbol of death, dying, and rebirth. Many cultures also identify the scorpion with reproduction, solitude, and protection.

In North Africa and South Asia, the scorpion is an important cultural image appearing in art. In Islamic art in the Middle East, the scorpion symbolizes the Sufi dervish power to vanquish evil. There is an old Afghan folk story that relates the tale of a scorpion that crawls into the Prophet’s shoe which is then grabbed by an eagle. The eagle flies off with the shoe letting the scorpion fall to the ground and saving the Prophet’s life.

Unlike snakes, scorpions always come back and cannot be frightened away so housewives are particular about cleaning their houses making sure they never enter. In South Asia, felt carpets are used because it is said that scorpions and tarantulas do not like to step on the fabric. In North India, rural locals use cow dung on floors and walls to prevent scorpions.

Many cultures consider scorpions to be both the embodiment of evil and a protective force against evil. Some cultures also identify the scorpion with human sexuality. In Iran, a scorpion’s bite was so venomous that there was a saying about praying for your enemy to be stung by a Kashani scorpion. In popular Muslim folklore, it is said that particularly dangerous scorpions inhabit hell. It is also viewed as a protector against evil.

The Sinai wilderness was recognized as having lots of scorpions during the time of the exodus.

In Turkish kilim flat weave carpets, a scorpion motif is often woven into the carpets to protect against their stings.

In Mexican lore, the scorpion features in Olmec Indian arts signifying a midnight sacrifice.

In Ancient Egypt, Serket, the goddess of fertility, nature, animals, medicine, and magic was often depicted as a scorpion. She was also a protector of the dead, especially as venom caused stiffening, which further associated her with embalmers. Her name translates as “she who tightens the throat or she who causes the throat to breathe.” Her image is one of the earliest to be found on ancient artifacts as a woman with a scorpion on her head. The most dangerous species of scorpion lives in North Africa, so she was revered as an important goddess for her ability to heal venomous stings. As time moved on she became integrated as an aspect of the goddess Isis.

In Sumaria, the scorpion was associated with the sun. Ancient writings depict scorpion-men as guarding and protecting the sacred gateways leading to ascension, pleasure, and enlightenment.

In the Buddhist tradition, Mara, the Buddha’s opponent sends venomous animals like scorpions and snakes to destroy the Buddha. In Hinduism, one of the destructive deities is the hag Vrsikodari, the goddess with the scorpion on her belly.

In Western astrology, the eighth astrological sign is the sign of the scorpion. Personality traits of a person born under this sign are loyalty, passion, being dynamic, obsessive, manipulative, independent, and observant.

In the West, the scorpion symbolizes the sword, armor, and protective poison. It is a symbol of death and rebirth. It is a symbol of fertility and sex.

Some scorpions can go a year without food. They give birth to live young and some baby scorpions stay with their mothers for up to 2 years.

Some people keep scorpions as pets.