Earthworms are not insects, but rather segmented worms belonging to the phylum Annelida. They are often mistaken for insects due to their small size and crawling behavior. Among various species, there are several types of locusts that are commonly used in traditional medicine, including the Chinese land locust, the common locust, the Tibetan locust, the Yunnan locust, and the Phnom Penh locust. Currently, artificial breeding mainly focuses on the Chinese wolfberry and earthworms.
In traditional Chinese medicine, earthworms have long been valued for their medicinal properties. The "Shen Nong's Herbal Classic" mentions that they are effective in treating conditions such as cold and heat imbalances, blood disorders, fractures, and blood stasis. The "Compendium of Materia Medica" states that they help with postnatal blood deficiency, blood stasis, tongue swelling, mouth ulcers, and abdominal pain in children during the night. The "Classified Herbal Medicine" notes that they are used for bruises, rheumatism, bone pain, and swelling, especially for women suffering from blood stasis, abdominal pain, and bruises. In modern Chinese patent medicines, ingredients like Baidu Pills, Zhishang Powder, Qizhi Powder, Swelling Ointment, and Baiyao often include earthworms. Recent studies have also shown that earthworms may have anti-cancer effects.
The main purpose of breeding locusts is for medicinal use, so harvesting and processing must follow strict quality standards. Male nymphs can be harvested when combined with castration. The primary targets for harvesting are older female nymphs and adults. When the population density reaches a certain level, except for those left to lay eggs, large-scale harvesting can be conducted based on actual conditions. Generally, 9-11 instar female nymphs have the highest body weight, with a dry rate of 38%-41%, making them the most cost-effective for harvest. Male nymphs at the age of 8 have a dry rate of 30%-33%, with about 2000 dry nymphs per 500g. Except for 5% of males reserved for mating, the rest (about 30% of the total) should be removed to prevent the animals from becoming weak after developing wings.
Newly matured female nymphs enter the peak spawning period after mating and should not be harvested in batches, especially before mid-August. Since the eggs produced by the nymphs can hatch within the same year, it is important to collect as many eggs as possible and avoid harvesting. Once the female nymphs have passed the egg-laying peak, they begin to age and can be harvested along with their eggs. From mid-August until winter, all adult females who have already laid eggs should be harvested in batches according to their spawning cycles. This helps prevent high mortality caused by aging during winter.
When harvesting, use a large bamboo sieve to separate or manually pick up the earthworms and place them into wooden barrels, porcelain jars, or other containers for processing. The processing of grasshoppers must be done under good sunlight and weather conditions to prevent mold and deterioration. The drying process is simple: first, wash the earthworms with water to remove sand, then boil them in hot water. Afterward, expose them to the sun for 3-4 days until they are completely dry and free of impurities. During processing, it is essential to ensure thorough drying and avoid burning. Before processing, the earthworms should fast for half a day to one day to allow complete digestion of their food. If any food remains in the abdomen, it may lead to mildew and insect infestation after processing, which affects the efficacy.
They can also be processed into medicinal powder by mixing with rice wine. For every gram of ground locust, mix with 100g or 200g of rice wine, then dry for later use.
Once processed, earthworms are prone to moisture absorption and worm infestation, especially in summer and autumn. If not properly stored, they can easily become moldy or spoiled. Therefore, before the summer season begins, it is essential to either kill or dry the earthworms and store them in sealed containers such as cylinders, mortars, white iron boxes, or dry wooden boxes. Store them in a cool, dry place. Adding about one-third of quicklime to the container can further help prevent moisture and pests. During storage, check regularly and address any abnormalities immediately.
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