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Chan Tui (蟬蛻), the cast-off shell of the cicada, disperses wind-heat, benefits the throat and restores the voice, vents rashes and relieves itching, brightens the eyes and extinguishes wind to stop spasm and childhood night-crying.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Cryptotympana pustulata (Periostracum Cicadae)
Common English Name
Cicada moulting
Taste
Sweet
Temperature
Cold
Channels Entered
Lung, Liver
Actions & Functions
- Disperses wind-heat and restores the voice
- Vents rashes and relieves itching
- Brightens the eyes and removes screens (cloudiness)
- Extinguishes wind and stops spasm
Indications
Wind-heat with sore throat and loss of voice; itchy skin rashes; red eyes; and childhood convulsions and night crying.
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Bo He for wind-heat with itching and sore throat.
Cautions & Contraindications
Use with caution in pregnancy.
