Chan Tui - Cicada Moulting
TCM Materia Medica
Chan Tui TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "chan tui" which in english is "cicada moulting", is categorized within the "herbs that release the exterior wind heat" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the liver and lung channels and exhibits cold (han), salty (xian) and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 3-9g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Disperses wind, clears heat - wind-heat with loss of voice, swollen and sore throat.
- Vents rashes - for early stage of measles with an incomplete expression of the rash.
- Clears eyes and removes superficial visual obstruction, wind-heat eye problems - red, painful, swollen eyes, blurry vision.
- Stops spasms and extinguishes wind - childhood febrile diseases in which wind causes convulsions, spasms, delirium or night terrors; tetanus (lockjaw).
Chan Tui has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Avoid during Pregnancy.
- Avoid in cases of exterior deficiency.
Our clinical staff have made the following notes, regarding chan tui:
- Compare with Bo He, Jing Jie, Niu Bang Zi, Jiang Can for treatment of skin disease.
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, chan tui is generally included in the following 1 formula:
ViewXiao Feng Wan (Clear Wind Pill)
Itchy and red skin lesions, possibly with weeping -psoriasis, eczema, acne, etc. Topical allergic response, dermatitis -poison ivy, oak, sumac. Acute [allergic] edema in the limbs.
As noted above, chan tui is within the herbs that release the exterior wind heat functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... many are acrid and warm severe fever with mild chills and sore throat. some are good for venting rashes or wind-heat eye problems. )".
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