Lou Gu Dried (Gryllotalpa orientalis) — Whole Clean Oriental Mole Cricket Herb

Lou Gu Dried (Gryllotalpa orientalis) is the whole, dried body of a traditional Chinese medicinal insect known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Lóu Gū (蝼蛄), also called Tǔ Gǒu Zi (土狗子) or Lā Lā Gū (蝲蝲蛄). For centuries, Lou Gu has been prized as a diuretic and water-moving herb used to promote urination, reduce swelling, and clear damp-heat from the lower burner. Its nature is salty and cold, with a mild toxicity in TCM theory, making it a focused yet potent herb for draining water and unblocking the waterways.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional water-moving TCM insect herb
• Whole, intact bodies with no visible debris
• Gryllotalpa orientalis, sourced from Anhui
• Dried and packed for decoction use
• 500g bulk pack for herbal formulas

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is carefully dried to preserve the whole, intact body form with a uniform dark brown to blackish color and a dry, slightly brittle texture. The aroma is mild and earthy with a characteristic insect note. When decocted, it yields a light, slightly salty infusion that blends into traditional herbal formulas without overpowering other ingredients.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Traditional herbal decoctions
• Herbal formula ingredient
• Damp-draining soup packs
• TCM practitioner blends

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Lou Gu is decocted into soups and herbal formulas to promote urination and reduce swelling associated with water retention. It is often paired with herbs like Fu Ling, Ze Xie, and Yi Yi Ren in traditional water-draining formulas. As a dried herb, it is also included in seasonal decoctions for supporting the body's natural fluid balance during damp weather.

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