Thunder Ball
- Chinese
- 雷丸
- Pinyin
- Lei Wan
- Latin
- Omphalia lapidescens
Known in TCM as Lei Wan (雷丸), this slightly bitter, cold herb enters the Stomach and Large Intestine. Traditionally, it expels intestinal parasites ... Lei Wan is especially associated with tapeworm and other helminthic disease rather than with broad tonic use, most often applied for intestinal parasites, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Modern research has identified Steroids among its active constituents.
Part used: Fruiting body (fungus)
Also Known As
Latin: Omphalia lapidescens | Pinyin: Lei Wan | Chinese: 雷丸
TCM Properties
- Taste
- slightly bitter
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Stomach, Large Intestine
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Expels intestinal parasites ... Lei Wan is especially associated with tapeworm and other helminthic disease rather than with broad tonic use.
- Relieves parasite-related abdominal discomfort ... older use includes abdominal pain, poor appetite, and bowel disturbance when worms are the true driver.
- Preserves a fungal-sclerotium medicine distinct from plant antiparasitic herbs ... this page should stay specimen-forward and restrained.
Secondary Actions
- Lei Wan is one of the classic herbs that is not meant for ordinary decoction because its protease activity is damaged by heat.
- Its therapeutic identity is narrow and old-fashioned in the best sense ... a targeted parasite medicine, not a catchall detoxifier.
Classic Formulas
- Zhui Chong Wan ... classic parasite-expelling formula where Lei Wan reinforces elimination of intestinal worms.
- Single-herb powder use for tapeworm ... one of the clearest traditional administration routes for Lei Wan.
- Combined pill or powder use with Bing Lang, Qian Niu Zi, or Da Huang ... traditional strategies when stronger expulsion is needed.
Classical References
- Traditional herbology describes Lei Wan as slightly bitter, cold, and mildly toxic, entering the Stomach and Large Intestine to expel parasites.
- Classical cautions explicitly note that the herb should not be decocted because its activity is easily damaged by heat.
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Steroids isolated from Omphalia lapidescens sclerotia
- Protein and protease-related fractions
- Polysaccharide and other fungal macromolecular fractions of immunologic interest
Studied Effects
- A 2024 review discussed pharmacological components and mechanisms reported for Omphalia lapidescens, providing the best current overview of modern Lei Wan research (PMID 39456798).
- A 2014 phytochemical study isolated two new steroids from the sclerotia of Omphalia lapidescens, helping define the specimen-level chemistry of the fungus (PMID 24392639).
- A 2022 study reported that purified Omphalia lapidescens protein showed anti-gastric-cancer effects through JAK-STAT3-pathway regulation in models, illustrating how modern interest extends far beyond traditional antiparasitic use (PMID 34601984).
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold without helminthic accumulation
Cautions
- Lei Wan is mildly toxic and should not be used casually or as a generalized anticancer supplement.
- Do not decoct the herb in the usual way because heat can destroy key activity discussed in classical handling notes.
Conditions
- Intestinal Parasites Traditional ★★★★★ JSON
- Abdominal Pain Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Diarrhea Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
- Poor Appetite Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thunder Ball used for?
Thunder Ball is traditionally used to Expels intestinal parasites ... Lei Wan is especially associated with tapeworm and other helminthic disease rather than with broad tonic use., Relieves parasite-related abdominal discomfort ... older use includes abdominal pain, poor appetite, and bowel disturbance when worms are the true driver., Preserves a fungal-sclerotium medicine distinct from plant antiparasitic herbs ... this page should stay specimen-forward and restrained.. Research has investigated its effects on: A 2024 review discussed pharmacological components and mechanisms reported for Omphalia lapidescens, providing the best current overview of modern Lei Wan research (PMID 39456798).; A 2014 phytochemical study isolated two new steroids from the sclerotia of Omphalia lapidescens, helping define the specimen-level chemistry of the fungus (PMID 24392639)..
What are other names for Thunder Ball?
Thunder Ball is also known as Thunderball fungus, Lei Wan, Omphalia. In TCM: 雷丸 (Lei Wan); Omphalia lapidescens.
Is Thunder Ball safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Thunder Ball during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for Thunder Ball?
Thunder Ball should not be used in: Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold without helminthic accumulation. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.