Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Cicada (often referring to the molted exoskeleton of the cicada, known in traditional Chinese medicine as Chantui) has been used in East Asian traditional medicine, particularly in Chinese herbal practice, for various ailments including certain eye conditions such as conjunctivitis. In the context of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Chantui is believed to "dispel wind-heat" and is utilized to treat symptoms such as red, swollen eyes, tearing, and sensitivity to light—symptoms that often overlap with conjunctivitis. Historical texts and TCM pharmacopeias describe its use in formulas intended for external or internal application for eye inflammation. However, there is little to no robust scientific evidence from modern clinical trials or pharmacological studies to confirm its efficacy or mechanism for treating conjunctivitis by Western medical standards. Most references in scientific literature simply note its traditional usage and do not provide experimental validation. Therefore, its use for conjunctivitis is justified primarily by tradition, and the evidence supporting its use is weak and anecdotal, with a rating of 1.

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