Blister Beetle bān máo · 斑蝥

Safety. This is the most dangerous drug listed on this site. The beetle contains cantharidin, a blistering agent that is toxic in very small amounts: internal exposure has caused burning of the mouth and gut, vomiting of blood, kidney failure, shock and death, and deaths are documented from its misuse as an alleged aphrodisiac ('Spanish fly'). Applied to skin it deliberately raises blisters and can cause deep ulceration. It is a restricted or prohibited substance in many jurisdictions. Do not handle, do not taste, do not take internally, keep away from children and animals — nothing on this page is a basis for any use of it.