✵The article documents the herb Cicada Slough, including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavors, and its source—the nymph of a single insect species, (1) Cryptotympana pustulata Fabr. It provides a detailed introduction to the morphological features of this insect, its growth characteristics and ecological environment, as well as the macroscopic characteristics of the herb Cicada Slough, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Periostracum Cicadae (Cicada Slough)
Pinyin Name: Chán Tuì
English Name: Cicada Slough
Latin Name:Periostracum Cicadae Properties and Flavor: Cool, pungent
Brief Introduction:Periostracum Cicadae is the exuviae (slough) shed by the nymph of Cryptotympana pustulata Fabr. It is used: (1) to disperse wind-heat in the treatment of wind-heat disorders; (2) to promote eruption in measles and relieve itching in urticaria; (3) to remove corneal opacities and improve vision; and (4) to relieve spasms in infantile convulsions and tetanus.
Source:Periostracum Cicadae (Cicada Slough) is the exuviae shed by the nymph of Cryptotympana pustulata Fabr., an insect belonging to the family Cicadidae, order Hemiptera. It is also known as Periostracum Cicadae, Cicada Slough, or Chán Tuì.
Classical herbal works define Periostracum Cicadae (Cicada Slough, or Chán Tuì) as the exuviae shed by the nymph of (1) Cryptotympana pustulata Fabr. This commonly used species is described below:
(1) Cryptotympana pustulata Fabr.
Description of the Insect:Cryptotympana pustulata Fabr. is also known as the black cicada. The insect is large, black, and glossy. The male measures 4.4–4.8 cm in body length, with a wingspan of approximately 12.5 cm; the female is slightly shorter. It has one pair of large compound eyes; three ocelli are situated between them. There is one pair of antennae. The mouthparts are well developed, piercing-sucking in type; the clypeus is comb-like; the labrum is broad and short; and the labium is elongated into a tubular structure extending to the base of the third pair of legs. The thorax is well developed, with a prominent conical protuberance on the metasternum projecting posteriorly. There are three pairs of legs and two pairs of membranous wings—dark brown and translucent, with a yellowish-green tinge at the base. When at rest, the wings are folded dorsally, forming a ridge-like structure. The abdomen consists of seven uromeres (segments). Male cicadas possess a specialized articulation in the abdomen for sound production; females bear an auditory organ in the corresponding position.
Ecological Environment and Habitat: This insect lives on trees such as poplar, willow, elm, locust, and maple. Its life cycle spans approximately 12–13 years per generation.
Habits of Living: Adults are commonly found on broadleaf trees, including willow, maple, poplar, apple, pear, peach, and apricot.
Characteristics of the Herb: The herb is oblong and hollow, resembling a cicada in overall shape. It measures approximately 4–4.5 cm in length and 1.8–2 cm in width. The surface is predominantly black, with a light yellowish-brown margin along the abdominal edge and a glossy appearance. A pair of filiform antennae (often broken off) arises from the head; a pair of prominent, ellipsoidal, yellowish-brown, translucent compound eyes is present. The thorax and dorsum bear membranous, transparent wings; the pterostigma is light yellowish-brown and frequently fragmented. Three pairs of legs extend from the upper thorax and abdomen—most often decayed or missing. Males possess a pair of cordate tymbals (sound-producing organs) ventrally; females lack tymbals, have a smaller abdomen, and possess an ovipositor. The caudal end is triangular and blunt; both dorsal and abdominal surfaces exhibit annular segmentation. The herb is lightweight and fragile. It has a faint odor and a mild taste.
Medicinal Efficacy: Dispels wind and dissipates heat; regulates lung qi; relieves spasm; promotes eruption and alleviates itching; removes corneal opacities and improves vision. It is indicated for exogenous wind-heat syndromes; cough and hoarseness; poor eruption in measles; urticaria and pruritus; infantile convulsions or fright-induced epilepsy; red, painful eyes; corneal opacities; furuncles and malignant boils; and tetanus.
Administration of Periostracum Cicadae (Chán Tuì):
Reference:
Administration Guide for Periostracum Cicadae (Chán Tuì)
TCM Books:
(1) Internally: 3–6 grams; (2) 1–2 qián (approximately 3–6 grams), or prepared as pills or powder; Externally: an appropriate amount—used as a decoction for washing, or finely ground into powder and applied topically. (3) 3–6 grams, or prepared as pills or powder; Externally: an appropriate amount—used as a decoction for washing, or finely ground into powder and applied topically; or 3–10 grams, water decoction, taken after mixing the finely powdered herb with water or wine. For antispasmodic effect, a higher dosage is required.
Precautions: Use with caution during pregnancy.
✵The article documents the herb Cicada Slough, including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavors, and its source—the nymph of a single insect species, (1) Cryptotympana pustulata Fabr. It provides a detailed introduction to the morphological features of this insect, its growth characteristics and ecological environment, as well as the macroscopic characteristics of the herb Cicada Slough, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Chán Tuì
Description of the Insect: Cryptotympana pustulata Fabr. is also known as the black cicada. The insect is large, black, and glossy. The male measures 4.4–4.8 cm in body length, with a wingspan of approximately 12.5 cm; the female is slightly shorter. It has one pair of large compound eyes; three ocelli are situated between them. There is one pair of antennae. The mouthparts are well developed, piercing-sucking in type; the clypeus is comb-like; the labrum is broad and short; and the labium is elongated into a tubular structure extending to the base of the third pair of legs. The thorax is well developed, with a prominent conical protuberance on the metasternum projecting posteriorly. There are three pairs of legs and two pairs of membranous wings—dark brown and translucent, with a yellowish-green tinge at the base. When at rest, the wings are folded dorsally, forming a ridge-like structure. The abdomen consists of seven uromeres (segments). Male cicadas possess a specialized articulation in the abdomen for sound production; females bear an auditory organ in the corresponding position.
Ecological Environment and Habitat: This insect lives on trees such as poplar, willow, elm, locust, and maple. Its life cycle spans approximately 12–13 years per generation.
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