The use of earthworm (commonly Lumbricus rubellus) in the treatment of jaundice is primarily rooted in traditional medicine, particularly within systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and some folk practices in South and Southeast Asia. In these traditions, earthworm preparations—sometimes referred to as "Di Long" in TCM—are believed to have various therapeutic properties, including antipyretic (fever-reducing) and hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects. Some traditional texts and anecdotal reports mention the use of earthworm extracts for “clearing heat” and “removing jaundice,” although the rationale is based on historical doctrine rather than empirical clinical trials.

Scientific research on earthworm extracts has explored their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and fibrinolytic activities, but there is no robust or direct clinical evidence supporting their efficacy specifically for jaundice in adults. Most studies focus on laboratory or animal models, with little translation to human clinical practice, especially for hepatic conditions like jaundice. Furthermore, the safety profile of earthworm-derived products for this indication is not well established. As such, while its use persists in some traditional contexts, the evidence supporting earthworm as a treatment for jaundice is weak and cannot be considered validated by contemporary scientific standards.