Chinese Use of Earthworm

Earthworms have been used as food in many cultures. It is generally considered a delicacy and is reserved only for the most distinguished guests and the elderly. Now we know why.

Traditional Chinese medicine has been using earthworms (lumbricus) for thousands of years. The famous Compendium Materia Medica describes it as "salty in taste, cold in property, and efficacious in clearing the heart, invigorating blood circulation, dissolving stasis, opening up channels, curing stroke, hemiplegia and infantile convulsion," and pointed out that lumbricus has self-dissolving ingredients.

Modern scientific research verified the Chinese use of earthworms after finding important enzymes in them. Earthworms may provide three thrombolytic enzymes: fibrinolysin (plasmin), profibrinolysin activator and collagenase. It is nontoxic and good for long-term use without any side effect. It is absorbed into blood circulation system and helps maintain a healthy balance between hemolysis and hemostasis and reduce risks of ischemic cardiovascular problems such as stroke, embolism, thrombus, arteriosclerosis, etc., the risk of diabetic complications including nervous pathological changes and micro circulation disturbances, and maintain healthy arterial functions and promote blood circulation by opening up arteries. It also may help maintain a healthy cholesterol and blood sugar level, reduce blood fat.