Is the cicada shell effective for sore throat?

    Cicada slough, also known as蝉蜕 (cicada蜕), may help alleviate sore throats caused by wind-heat, but it has limited effectiveness for sore throats caused by wind-cold or severe infections. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed explanation is as follows:

    Cicada slough has a sweet taste and cool nature, and functions to dispel wind-heat and relieve sore throat and swelling. If a sore throat is caused by wind-heat invasion or dryness and heat in the throat with redness and swelling, particularly in mild cases, taking it as a decoction may help reduce local inflammation, ease pain, and provide auxiliary relief. However, this kind of regulation should be appropriately used according to the severity of symptoms.

    However, if the sore throat is caused by a cold due to wind-cold, accompanied by symptoms such as chills and clear nasal discharge, or if the sore throat is caused by serious conditions such as bacterial infection or tonsillar abscess, cicada slough will not address the underlying cause. It may not only fail to relieve discomfort but may also hinder recovery or even worsen symptoms due to its cold nature.

    Before using cicada slough, the cause of the sore throat should be clearly identified. It may be tried for mild symptoms caused by wind-heat, but should be avoided for cold syndromes or severe conditions. If pain does not subside after use, timely medical evaluation is necessary to avoid delaying treatment.