Use of Chan Tui (cicada sloughs) in TCM

Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.

Preparation: Collect the cicada slough from the tree or ground, remove impurities and dry. Crush before use.

Dosage: 3-9g

Main actions according to TCM*: Clears Wind-Heat and benefits the throat. Allows the release of Toxins from the skin and relieves itching. Expels Wind and relieves spasms and convulsions associated with Heat.

Primary conditions or symptoms for which Chan Tui may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Sore throat Loss of voice Skin eruptions Convulsions

Contraindications*: Contraindicated during pregnancy.

Common TCM formulas in which Chan Tui is used*

Key TCM concepts behind Chan Tui's properties

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Chan Tui belongs to the 'Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior' category. Herbs that release the Exterior aim to to treat the early stages of diseases that affect the upper respiratory tract, the eyes, the ears, the nose, the throat or the skin. TCM believes that External diseases such as colds or allergies can only invade the body if the External environment overwhelms our Wei Qi (the TCM version of the immune system). In order to counteract this invasion Cool/Acrid herbs aim to induce sweating by dilating our capillary pores so that they release more sweat. The belief is that this will expel the disease from the body and stop it from invading further.

As suggested by its category Chan Tui is Cold in nature. This means that Chan Tui typically helps people who have too much 'Heat' in their body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Chan Tui can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

Chan Tui also tastes Bitter and Salty. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Chan Tui tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Salty ingredients tend to have a draining effect in the body because they clear accumulations, remove Phlegm and soften hard lumps.

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Chan Tui is thought to target the Liver and the Lung. In TCM the Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.