Overview of the efficacy and functions of cicada clothing

Cicada slough, also known as cicada slough, is the skin shell shed by insects of the family Cicadae when they emerge. It has a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine. Its main functions includeEvacuate wind-heat, relieve sore throat, relieve rash and relieve itching, improve eyesight and reduce nebula, often used to treat wind-heat colds, sore throat, measles, red eyes and other diseases. Modern research has also found that it has anti-inflammatory and sedative effects. This article will start from three aspects: traditional application, modern research and precautions, and systematically introduce the medicinal value and scientific basis of cicada clothing.

Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Chanyi

In "Compendium of Materia Medica", Chanyi is listed as an anti-inflammatory drug, and Li Shizhen records that it "can treat children with epileptic seizures and night cries, and remove red eyes and obstructive nebula." Traditional Chinese medicine theory believes that cicada clothes are light in texture, good at moving through the lung meridian, and can dissipate wind-heat. It is especially suitable for headaches and sore throat caused by wind-heat attacking the surface. In addition, its hair-transmitting properties can help measles hair, and the effect is better when combined with nepeta, peppermint and other medicines. There are also folk prescriptions for soaking cicada clothes in water to relieve hoarseness, which reflects its unique value in soothing the throat and opening up the sound.

Modern medicine’s exploration of cicada clothes

In recent years, studies have found that cicada clothing contains polysaccharides, amino acids, trace elements and other ingredients. Animal experiments show that its extract hasAnti-allergy, immune regulationThe effect may be related to inhibiting the release of histamine. In clinical observations, Chanyi combined with other traditional Chinese medicines has a certain effect in relieving allergic rhinitis and skin itching. However, it should be noted that its sedative effect has not yet been verified in large-scale human trials. When using it, medical advice should be followed to avoid blind substitution of western medicine.

Taboos and precautions for using Chanyi

Although cicada medicine has mild properties,Pregnant women and those with physical weakness and excessive sweating should use with caution, people with cold or cold should not use it alone. Traditionally, it is believed that Chanyi "lightly clears and ascends", and overdose may cause dizziness. Modern Pharmacopoeia recommends a daily dosage of 3-6 grams, which can be ground into powder and taken as a drink or decoction. In addition, wild cicada coats may contain parasite eggs and need to be scalded in boiling water or professionally processed. When purchasing, you should choose formal channels to avoid inferior products.

Summary: Look at the medicinal value of cicada clothes rationally

As a traditional medicinal material, Chanyi has both historical heritage and modern scientific research potential, but its application requires dialectical treatment. It can be used as auxiliary therapy when symptoms of wind-heat occur, but chronic diseases still require comprehensive treatment. In the future, its active ingredients and mechanism of action need to be further clarified so that this natural gift can better serve health.

Quote sources:
1. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition
2. Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica"
3. "Chinese Materia Medica" textbook of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (edited by Professor Wang Jian)