Cicada slough (Chantui)-Cryptotympana pustulata Fabricius

Cicada slough (Chantui)

Pharmaceutical Name: Periostracum Cicadae

Zoological Name: Cryptotympana pustulata Fabricius

Common Name: Cicada slough

Source of Earliest Record: Mingyi Bielu

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The slough shed by the cicada is found on the ground or on the branches of trees, then dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Sweet and cold

Meridians: Lung and liver

Functions: 1. To disperse wind and clear heat; 2. To bring the rash to the surface and relieve itching; 3. To clear eyes; 4. To stop spasms

Indications & Combinations:

1. Wind-heat exterior syndrome manifested as fever, headache, sore throat and hoarse voice. Cicada slough (Chantui) is used with Boat sterculia seed (Pangdahai), Arctium fruit (Niubangzi) and Platycodon root (Jiegeng).

2. Early stage of measles without rash. Cicada slough (Chantui) is used with Pueraria root (Gegen) and Arctium fruit (Niubangzi).

3. Itching due to the surface being attacked by exogenous wind. Cicada slough (Chantui) is used with Tribulus fruit (Baijili) and Schizonepeta (Jingjie).

4. Wind-heat of liver meridian manifested as red eyes, watery eyes and blurred vision. Cicada slough (Chantui) is used with Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua) and Shave grass (Muzei) in the formula Chan Hua San.

5. Convulsions and spasms due to tetanus or high fever. Cicada slough (Chantui) is used with Scorpion (Quanxie), White-stiff silkworm (Baijiangcan), Uncaria stem (Gouteng) and Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua).

Dosage: 3-10 g.

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb should be used with caution during pregnancy.