Di Long

What is Di Long?

Di Long — literally 'earth dragon' in Chinese — refers to the dried body of earthworms, primarily from the Pheretima or Lumbricus species. It has been a staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine for more than two millennia, appearing in classical texts like the Shennong Bencao Jing. Laboratory analysis has isolated several biologically active compounds from earthworm tissue, most notably lumbrokinase, a group of fibrinolytic enzymes that are thought to have blood-thinning and clot-dissolving properties, though robust clinical confirmation in humans remains limited.

How does Di Long work?

Di Long is thought to work through multiple pathways. Its fibrinolytic enzymes may help break down blood clots and support circulation. It is believed to relax smooth muscle in blood vessels and the airways, which may explain its traditional use for both high blood pressure and asthma. It also has traditionally been valued for anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing actions that align with its classical TCM role of 'clearing heat and calming wind,' though these effects have not been fully validated in rigorous human clinical trials.

What forms does Di Long come in?

In TCM practice, Di Long is most traditionally prepared as a decoction (boiled in water with other herbs). Modern formulations include standardized oral capsules and tablets containing concentrated Pheretima extract. Lumbrokinase is also available as an isolated supplement. In some clinical settings in China, injectable forms have been used for acute stroke management, though this is not available in Western markets.

Where it comes from:

Di Long appears in China's oldest surviving herbal pharmacopeia (Shennong Bencao Jing, approximately 200 CE) and has maintained an unbroken presence in TCM formulas ever since. Classical indications included high fever with convulsions, paralysis after stroke, joint pain, and difficulty breathing — conditions for which it continues to be used in traditional and contemporary practice.

What does Di Long help with?

• Stroke recovery and brain circulation: Di Long has traditionally been used in post-stroke recovery formulas in TCM, where its clot-dissolving enzymes are thought to support blood flow restoration and tissue recovery. It is commonly combined with other TCM herbs to support motor function and cognitive recovery, though these uses remain based largely on traditional practice and preliminary observational data rather than confirmed clinical trials.
• High blood pressure: Compounds in Di Long are thought to help relax blood vessel walls and reduce vascular resistance, which may gently support healthy blood pressure over time. Practitioners have traditionally used it for centuries specifically for patterns of hypertension associated with heat and tension in TCM, though controlled clinical evidence in humans is limited.
• Asthma and wheezing: Di Long has traditionally been used to help open the airways and ease breathing. Hypoxanthine and other smooth-muscle-relaxing compounds are thought to be responsible for this effect. While some preliminary laboratory and observational reports exist, well-designed clinical trials confirming a reduction in asthma episode frequency are lacking, and this remains a traditional use rather than a clinically proven one.
• Blood clots and poor circulation: Lumbrokinase, Di Long's most studied enzyme, is thought to help break down fibrin — the structural protein in blood clots — and may inhibit new clot formation. Practitioners have long used Di Long for conditions involving poor blood fluidity and circulation, though human clinical evidence is preliminary and it should not replace conventional anticoagulant therapies without professional guidance.
• Joint pain and arthritis: Di Long has traditionally been used for its perceived anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce swelling and pain in arthritic joints. In traditional practice, it is often combined with other TCM herbs for conditions involving joint stiffness, warmth, and pain, particularly in rheumatoid patterns, though rigorous clinical evidence supporting these uses is currently limited.
• Fever and infections: Clearing heat is one of Di Long's oldest classical uses, and it has traditionally been credited with some fever-reducing properties. Practitioners have traditionally used it for high fevers in children and adults, particularly when accompanied by restlessness or convulsions, though this remains an observational and traditional use without confirmed clinical trial support.
• Epilepsy and muscle spasms: TCM classifies Di Long as a 'wind-extinguishing' herb — meaning it has traditionally been used to calm involuntary muscle activity, spasms, and seizure-like states. Some early laboratory observations suggest possible anticonvulsant activity, but this property has not been validated in rigorous human clinical studies and should be considered a traditional use only.
• Kidney disease (proteinuria): Some preliminary and observational reports from China have examined Di Long formulas in the context of chronic kidney disease, suggesting possible reductions in urinary protein loss. Its anti-inflammatory and circulation-supporting effects may theoretically benefit kidney filtration, but these observations are not yet supported by well-controlled clinical trials and should be interpreted cautiously.
• Heart disease and cardiovascular risk: Di Long has traditionally been used in integrative TCM settings to address concerns related to blood viscosity, circulation, and blood pressure. Practitioners have long combined it with other herbs as part of broader cardiovascular support formulas alongside conventional care, though its specific cardiovascular benefits in humans have not been established through rigorous independent clinical trials.

What can Di Long help prevent?

• Recurrent ischemic stroke (secondary prevention: lumbrokinase formulas traditionally used to support circulation in post-stroke recovery)
• Blood clot recurrence in patients with circulatory disorders

Which foods are rich in Di Long?

Di Long is an animal-derived medicinal substance and is not found in common foods. However, you can support the same biological pathways — healthy circulation, reduced clotting, and anti-inflammatory balance — through diet. Foods that support these goals include: (1) Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel (omega-3s reduce platelet stickiness and inflammation); (2) Garlic (contains allicin, which inhibits clot formation and supports blood pressure); (3) Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale (rich in vitamin K and nitrates that support vascular health); (4) Turmeric with black pepper (curcumin has anti-inflammatory and mild anticoagulant effects); (5) Berries, especially blueberries and cherries (anthocyanins support blood vessel integrity and reduce oxidative stress). Avoiding excess saturated fat, refined sugar, and processed sodium will also support the cardiovascular goals Di Long is traditionally used for.

What are the side effects of Di Long?

• Nausea or mild stomach upset (most common, especially on an empty stomach)
• Allergic reactions including skin rash, itching, or hives (rare but documented — avoid if allergic to shellfish or invertebrates)
• Low blood pressure or dizziness (particularly when combined with antihypertensive medications)
• Increased bleeding tendency at high doses due to fibrinolytic activity
• Rare anaphylactic reactions in highly sensitive individuals

Good to know:

Di Long has a long history of safe use in TCM at standard doses, and most people tolerate it well. Adverse effects are relatively uncommon but can occur, especially at high doses or in individuals with allergies to invertebrate proteins.

How much Di Long should you take?

• Recommended daily: Traditional decoction: 5–15g of dried Di Long per day, typically as part of a multi-herb formula. Standardized lumbrokinase capsules: typically 20–40mg of lumbrokinase activity units, 2–3 times daily (follow product labeling, as potency varies by brand). Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or physician for personalized dosing.
• Best time of day: Typically divided into 2–3 doses throughout the day to maintain consistent levels. Lumbrokinase capsules are often taken 30 minutes before meals for optimal absorption.
• With or without food: Traditional decoctions are usually taken apart from meals. Lumbrokinase supplements are generally best taken on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before eating, as food (especially proteins) may reduce enzyme activity.
• Time to effect: Fever and spasm relief: within hours to 1–2 days. Blood pressure and circulation benefits: 2–6 weeks of consistent use. Post-stroke rehabilitation support: effects assessed over several months.
• How long to take it: Acute conditions (fever, spasm): short-term use of days to 2 weeks under TCM supervision. Chronic conditions (hypertension, stroke recovery, cardiovascular support): often used for months as part of an ongoing formula, with periodic reassessment by a practitioner. No standard cycling protocol exists; duration should be guided by clinical response and practitioner oversight.