Sang Piao Xiao (Mantidis Ootheca) — Dried TCM Herb, Steamed Mantis Egg-Case

Sang Piao Xiao (Mantidis Ootheca) is the dried egg-case of the praying mantis, a traditional animal-derived herb known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Sāng Piāo Xiāo (桑螵蛸). For centuries it has been prized as a kidney-consolidating, essence-retaining herb, traditionally used to support the lower burner, stabilize the essence gate, and address patterns of deficiency and instability. Its nature is sweet, salty, and neutral, with a gently astringent quality that makes it a valued ingredient in classical tonic formulas. This listing offers the steamed large cotton variety (熟大绵), a prepared form favored in traditional decoction practice.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional kidney-consolidating animal herb
• Steamed large cotton variety (熟大绵)
• Mantidis Ootheca, the dried mantis egg-case
• New-crop stock, stored at room temperature
• Suitable for classical decoctions and tonic formulas

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is carefully collected and steamed to preserve its light yellowish-brown to amber color, its firm yet slightly spongy texture, and its mild, faintly animalic aroma. When decocted, the pieces soften and yield a gentle, subtly salty-sweet infusion with a soft astringent finish, blending smoothly with other herbs in a formula without dominating the broth.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Classical herbal decoctions and tonic formulas
• Traditional kidney-supporting herbal blends
• Paired with herbs such as raspberry, lotus seed, and schisandra
• Seasonal winter nourishment formulas
• Bulk herbal preparation for practitioners

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Sang Piao Xiao is decocted into soups and tonic formulas to support the kidney's consolidating function, often paired with herbs like raspberry (Fu Pen Zi), lotus seed (Lian Zi), and schisandra (Wu Wei Zi). It appears in classical formulas for stabilizing the lower burner and is traditionally simmered in slow-cooked broths and medicinal congee during the colder months. As a daily preparation, it is brewed in multi-herb decoctions rather than used alone.

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