Overview of the efficacy and functions of cicada slough

Cicada slough is the skin shell shed by the nymphs of Cicadae insects when they emerge. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it is cold in nature, sweet in taste, and hasDisperse wind-heat, relieve sore throat, relieve rash and relieve itching, improve eyesight and reduce nebula, calm wind and relieve spasmEquivalent efficacy, wide clinical application. Mainly suitable for symptoms such as wind-heat cold, sore throat, opaque measles, itchy skin, convulsions and convulsions. Modern research shows that cicada slough contains components such as chitin and protein, which have anti-inflammatory, sedative, and anti-allergic effects. The following will be developed from three aspects: traditional efficacy, modern research and usage precautions to help readers fully understand this Chinese medicinal material.

Evacuation of wind-heat and sore throat opening sound

Cicada slough belongs to the lung and liver meridians in traditional Chinese medicine theory, and is good atEvacuate wind and heat, often used for the initial onset of wind-heat and cold, with symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, etc. It is often combined with mint and forsythia. itssharp throat opening soundIt has a particularly prominent effect on sore throat and hoarseness (such as acute laryngitis). The "Cicada Slough Decoction" recorded in "Febrile Diseases Treatise" uses cicada slough as the main medicine. Folks also use cicada slough soaked in water instead of tea. However, attention should be paid to syndrome differentiation and it is not suitable for people with colds and colds.

Treat rash, relieve itching, improve eyesight and reduce nebula

cicada sloughed offrashThe efficacy is suitable for measles, rubella and other rashes that are difficult to break out. It can promote the rash to spread through light clearing and clearing. It is often used together with kudzu root and burdock. For skin itching, urticaria, etc., cicada slough can be combined with Schizonepeta, Fangfeng andrelieve itching. In addition, itsImprove eyesight and remove shadowsIt has many applications in ophthalmology. For example, "Yinhai Jingwei" records that cicada slough can relieve red eyes and nebula. It is also used in modern clinical practice as an auxiliary treatment for conjunctivitis and keratitis.

Modern research and usage notes

Modern pharmacology has discovered that chitin in cicada sloughs hasAnti-inflammatory, immune modulationIts sedative effect may be due to inhibition of the central nervous system. Animal experiments show that cicada slough decoction can reduce allergic reactions (see table). Please note when using: Pregnant women should use with caution, and those with allergies should try it in small doses; 3-6 grams are commonly used for decoction, and 1-2 grams for grinding and dispensing; avoid using it with sedative drugs.

Summary and rational application

Cicada slough, as a traditional Chinese medicinal material, has bothRelieve the surface, clear away heat and relieve windWith multiple functions, clinical application needs to be combined with syndrome differentiation. Modern research provides scientific basis for its traditional usage, but it should be noted that it is cold in nature, and those with cold spleen and stomach should be combined with warming Chinese medicine. In daily health care, it can be used for sore throat and mild skin problems as directed by the doctor, but it cannot replace regular medical treatment. Only by correctly understanding its efficacy and limitations can we utilize this natural gift safely and effectively.

Citing sources

1. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition (Part 1)
2. Zhang Zhongjing's "Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases"
3. Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica"
4. Wang Yongyan's "Clinical Chinese Materia Medica" Second Edition