Cicada Shell Chrysanthemum Tea

Why people make this tea

When eyes feel perpetually itchy, gritty, or irritated — especially in windy or allergy-prone seasons — many Hong Kong families reach for this simple two-herb brew. Cicada slough (the shed shell of the cicada insect) has a long history in Chinese herbal medicine and is considered safe and gentle, even for young children. Paired with fragrant chrysanthemum flowers, it makes a refreshing tea that gently supports the eyes and throat when wind-heat symptoms appear.

Method

1. Rinse the cicada slough thoroughly under running water.
2. Add 2–3 cups of water to a small pot and bring to a boil with the cicada slough.
3. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20 minutes.
4. Add the chrysanthemum flowers and continue to simmer for a further 5 minutes.
5. Strain and serve warm. A small amount of honey may be added for sweetness (not for infants under 18 months).

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea is gentle enough for young children. Beyond itchy eyes, it has traditionally been used for children who are restless at night or prone to skin hives from wind-type irritation. If you cannot source cicada slough, a substitute tea of mulberry leaf (sang ye) and chrysanthemum flowers is a reasonable alternative — Nourilo recommends 10 g each, simmered for 10 minutes.