nidus vespae

Nidus vespae (Chinese: 露蜂房; pinyin: Lu Feng Fang) is the nest of certain wasp species (family Vespidae), used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is classified as an animal-derived medicinal material and has been employed for centuries to "dispel wind," detoxify, kill parasites, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. Modern research indicates that extracts from nidus vespae possess antimicrobial activity—particularly against oral cariogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans—due to active flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol[2]. Additional studies have demonstrated antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antitumor[5], hemostatic[10], analgesic[6][8], anti-allergic[6], and potential anti-obesity effects through modulation of adipogenesis and insulin signaling pathways in preclinical models[5]. Nidus vespae is used both internally (decoction or powder) and externally (topical application or wash) for conditions such as suppurative infections (carbuncles/furuncles), mastitis[4][10], dental pain/infections[1][8], skin ulcers/wounds/burns/cellulitis/neonatal necrosis wounds[8][10], chronic phlegm/lung support formulas for smokers or those with compromised lungs[7]. The main chemical constituents include resins, waxes, essential oils ("lu fang oil"), sugars/carbohydrates, vitamins/minerals. Toxicity is considered low at therapeutic doses but caution is advised in patients with qi deficiency or renal impairment due to mild toxicity noted in animal studies.

Other names

Lu Feng Fang露蜂房Feng Fang蜂房Wasp NestHornet’s NeatPolistes