3Chan Tui - Cicada Slough - Periostracum Cicadae

Chan Tui (Cicada Molting) is a cool, sweet, and slightly salty substance in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that dispels wind-heat, benefits the throat, promotes eruption of rashes, and relieves spasms. It is the shed exoskeleton of the cicada Cryptotympana pustulata, collected after the insect emerges in summer. Chan Tui is particularly valued for treating sore throat, hoarseness, and loss of voice from wind-heat, as well as measles or chickenpox where rash eruption is delayed. It is also used for eye problems due to wind-heat, and for stopping spasms or convulsions in children caused by high fever.

Functions & Benefits

Dispels Wind-Heat and Benefits the Throat
Relieves sore throat, hoarseness, and loss of voice.

Promotes Rash Eruption
Encourages measles or chickenpox to surface and resolve.

Relieves Spasms and Convulsions
Calms tremors in children from febrile illnesses.

Clears the Eyes and Improves Vision
Used for red, itchy, or watery eyes caused by wind-heat.

Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)
✔ Individuals with sore throat or voice loss from wind-heat.
✔ Children with measles or chickenpox where rashes are slow to emerge.
✔ Patients with spasms or convulsions from high fever.
✔ Those with red, itchy, or swollen eyes from seasonal wind-heat.

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red tip or edges with a thin yellow coating.
Pulse: Floating and rapid, indicating exterior wind-heat.

Related TCM Patterns
Wind-Heat Attacking the Lungs – Causes sore throat, cough, and fever.
Incomplete Rash Eruption – Delays measles or chickenpox resolution.
Liver Wind Stirring Internally – Leads to tremors, spasms, or seizures.

Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)
Acute Sore Throat – Clears wind-heat and restores the voice.
Childhood Febrile Convulsions – Calms spasms and eases fever effects.
Delayed Rash Eruption – Assists in measles progression and recovery.
Eye Irritation – Reduces redness, swelling, and itching from seasonal allergies or infection.

Common Herbal Formulas with Chan Tui
Often combined with Niu Bang Zi and Bo He for throat inflammation, or with Jing Jie and Fang Feng for incomplete rash eruption.

Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid in cases without wind-heat signs.
Not suitable for individuals with Yin deficiency and dryness.
Use with caution during pregnancy.

Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations
✔ Drink soothing teas like chrysanthemum or honeysuckle for throat comfort.
✔ Avoid spicy, fried, and greasy foods during wind-heat illness.
✔ Maintain adequate hydration during febrile conditions.
✔ Use proper voice rest when hoarse.

Conclusion
Chan Tui (Cicada Molting) is a cool, sweet, and slightly salty TCM substance that dispels wind-heat, benefits the throat, promotes rash eruption, and relieves spasms. It is ideal for sore throat, delayed measles eruption, childhood febrile convulsions, and seasonal eye problems caused by wind-heat.