Can cicada shells be used to treat swollen and painful gums?

Aug 02, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Cicada slough generally refers to the shed skin of a cicada. Whether cicada slough can treat swollen and painful gums usually depends on the underlying cause of the gum swelling and pain. During any course of medication, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing teeth regularly, using mouthwash, and avoiding spicy or irritating foods to prevent worsening of the inflammation.

Cicada slough usually refers to the exuviae of a cicada. Generally speaking, whether cicada slough can treat swollen and painful gums depends on the underlying cause of the gum discomfort. A detailed analysis is as follows:

If the swollen and painful gums are caused by external wind-heat pathogens invading the gums, resulting in blocked local meridians and accumulation of heat, from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), cicada slough is cool in nature and has the effect of dispersing wind-heat and clearing heat toxicity. It may help eliminate wind-heat pathogens in the gum area and alleviate localized redness, swelling, heat, and pain to a certain extent.

If the swollen and painful gums are caused by excessive stomach fire, presenting as significantly swollen and painful gums, sometimes accompanied by symptoms such as bad breath and constipation, cicada slough mainly functions to disperse wind-heat and cannot specifically clear excessive stomach fire; thus, it may not be significantly effective for this type of gum inflammation. If the gum pain is caused by organic conditions such as dental caries or periodontitis, cicada slough lacks anti-inflammatory and tissue-repairing properties and cannot address the underlying issue.

During any course of treatment with medication, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing teeth regularly and using mouthwash, and to avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods, which could worsen the inflammation.

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Does cicada shell have any effect on skin diseases?

Cicada slough is cool in nature and can疏散 wind-heat and relieve itching by dispelling wind. If a skin condition is caused by external wind-heat invasion or internal accumulation of heat toxicity, such as skin itching, red rashes, or hives, and the symptoms are relatively mild, combining it with other treatments may help alleviate skin discomfort. However, for rashes caused by allergies, fungal infections such as tinea, or chronic skin conditions like eczema, cicada slough cannot address the underlying causes.

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Is the cicada shell effective for treating tonsillitis?

Cicada slough, scientifically known as Periostracum Cicadae, has properties of dispersing wind-heat and relieving sore throat with reduced swelling. If tonsillitis is caused by wind-heat invasion, presenting symptoms such as a burning sensation in the throat, mild redness and swelling without obvious pus formation, appropriate use of Periostracum Cicadae (e.g., prepared as a decoction for drinking) may help alleviate local inflammation and relieve discomfort, thereby serving as an adjunctive treatment.

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Is the cicada shell effective for sore throat?

Cicada slough, also known as蝉蜕 (Periostracum Cicadae), may help relieve sore throat caused by wind-heat, but has limited effectiveness for sore throat due to wind-cold or severe infection. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Periostracum Cicadae has a sweet taste and cool nature, and functions to疏散风热 (disperse wind-heat), benefit the throat, and reduce swelling. If sore throat is caused by wind-heat invasion or heat accumulation in the throat with symptoms of dryness, heat, and swelling, taking a decoction of Periostracum Cicadae may help alleviate local inflammation.

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Can Cicada Slough Treat Pharyngitis in Children?

Cicada slough generally refers to the exuviae of cicadas. In general, cicada slough can be used as an adjunct in the treatment of pharyngitis in children to some extent. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a qualified hospital. When using cicada slough as an adjunct therapy, it must be administered only after a professional TCM physician has conducted a differential diagnosis and determined the appropriate usage and dosage according to the specific condition of the child. Parents should not purchase or use it on their own.