Niu Meng Chong (Tabanus bivittatus) — Dried Gadfly Herb for TCM Decoction & Powder

Niu Meng Chong (Tabanus bivittatus), also known as the dried gadfly or horsefly, is a traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) animal-derived herb known in Chinese as Niú Méng Chóng (牛虻虫). For centuries it has been prized as a blood-quickening, stasis-breaking herb used in decoctions and herbal formulas to invigorate circulation and dispel stagnation. Its nature is bitter and slightly cold, with a small toxic tendency in TCM theory, making it a potent yet carefully measured herb traditionally used to break blood stasis and unblock channels.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional blood-quickening TCM herb
• Dried whole gadfly, sun-dried processing
• Tabanus bivittatus, animal-derived medicinal
• Available whole or custom-ground powder
• 500g bulk with 250g selectable pack

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is sun-dried to preserve its dark brown to blackish color, dry crisp texture, and faintly earthy, slightly acrid aroma. When decocted, it yields a dark, bitter infusion with a characteristic animal-herb scent, typically combined with other herbs to balance its potency.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Traditional TCM decoction formulas
• Custom-ground herbal powder blends
• Herbal stasis-breaking formula ingredient
• Practitioner-guided herbal preparations

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Niu Meng Chong is decocted into formulas alongside herbs such as peach kernel, safflower, and angelica to invigorate blood and dispel stasis. It is traditionally used in small, carefully measured amounts within compound decoctions rather than alone, and is sometimes ground into powder for inclusion in herbal pills or topical preparations. As a cold-back (冷背) herb, it is typically stocked by practitioners and specialty herbalists for specific formula needs.

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