Can Cicada Slough Clear Lung Heat?

Aug 02, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Cicada slough generally refers to the dried exuviae of the cicada. Under normal circumstances, cicada slough can help clear heat from the lungs. However, the use of cicada slough should be determined according to the specific condition and through pattern differentiation; it is not suitable for all cases of lung heat. Moreover, the effect of cicada slough alone in clearing lung heat is limited, and it is often necessary to use it in combination with other herbs. In addition, extra caution should be exercised when administering it to children or individuals with weak constitutions, and it must be done under the guidance of a qualified professional TCM physician.

Cicada slough generally refers to the dried exuviae of the cicada. Under normal circumstances, cicada slough can help relieve lung heat. The detailed explanation is as follows:

In traditional Chinese medicine theory, cicada slough has the effect of dispersing wind-heat. Lung heat is often caused by wind-heat pathogens invading the lungs, resulting in impaired lung function and abnormal dispersion and descending functions. Cicada slough can help eliminate heat pathogens from the lungs by dispersing wind-heat from the lung meridian, alleviating discomfort caused by lung heat, such as sore throat, hoarseness, yellow phlegm, and coughing. Its cold nature can also help reduce heat symptoms in the lungs and assist in restoring normal lung function, thereby relieving lung heat.

However, the use of cicada slough should be based on syndrome differentiation according to specific conditions, as it is not suitable for all cases of lung heat. Moreover, the effect of cicada slough alone in clearing lung heat is limited, and it is often necessary to use it in combination with other herbs. In addition, extra caution should be taken when administering it to children or individuals with weak constitutions. It must be used under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner to avoid adverse reactions caused by self-medication.

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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 P婆婆丁 (Dandelion) clear lung heat?

Dandelion, commonly referred to as "Popoding," can generally assist in clearing lung heat according to traditional Chinese medicine. However, its effect is limited, and attention should be paid to the method of consumption and the appropriate population; excessive intake should be avoided. In daily life, to alleviate lung heat, it is also important to maintain a light diet, consume more heat-clearing and moisture-nourishing foods such as pears and winter melon, and avoid spicy and irritating foods in order to better maintain lung health.