Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Cordyceps Cicadae |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 蟬花 · Chan Hua |
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| Medicinal Part | Seaweeds and fungi |
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| Efficacy Category | Wind-extinguishing |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried stroma and its parasitic complex on the larva of Platypleura kaempferi (Fabricius) of Isaria cicadae Miquel or Cordyceps cicadae Shing (Cordycipitaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet; Cold |
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| Channels Entered | Lung, Liver |
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What Is Chan Hua?
Chan Hua (Cicada Flower (Cicada Cordyceps)) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Yunnan, Sichuan, Fujian.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet; Cold
Channels Entered: Lung, Liver
Chan Hua: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Cordyceps Cicadae
Botanical Origin
The dried stroma and its parasitic complex on the larva of Platypleura kaempferi (Fabricius) of Isaria cicadae Miquel or Cordyceps cicadae Shing (Cordycipitaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Yunnan, Sichuan, Fujian.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is complete, yellowish, with stroma.
Macroscopic Features
Cicada larva is fusiform, 2~3cm long, 0.5~1cm diameter, externally initially yellowish-brown then brownish. One to several floral stems grow from the head, 1~3cm long, often curved, brownish. Faint odor, taste sweet.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet; ColdLungLiver
Traditional Functions
Brightens eyes and removes nebula, settles fright and stops spasms, disperses wind-heat and promotes rash expression.
How Chan Hua Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Chan Hua is classified among the Wind-extinguishing herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
