Library

Suddenly falling ill with spasmodic pain in the hands and feet, worsening during the quiet night hours, this is Li Jie Feng (a disease characterized by severe joint pain and deformity). First administer Su He Xiang Wan (Styrax Pills), followed by Sheng Wu Yao Shun Qi San (Raw Cyperus Qi-Smoothing Powder) and Wu Ji San (Five Accumulations Powder), decocted with half a cup of water and half a cup of wine, taken orally, with one "zi" (a traditional unit of weight for musk) of She Xiang (Musk) added. If accompanied by lower back pain, leg pain, deviation of the mouth and eyes, hemiplegia, and inability to flex or extend the limbs, it constitutes Zhong Qi Zhong Feng (Wind Stroke due to deficiency of healthy qi); when qi flows smoothly, wind dissipates. The prescription consists of Bai Zhu (4 liang, roasted), Chen Xiang (5 qian), Tian Ma (1 liang), Tian Tai Wu Yao (3 liang), Qing Pi, Bai Zhi, Gan Cao, Ren Shen (each 5 qian, alternatively 3 qian), along with three slices of Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) and five leaves of Zi Su (Perilla Leaf), decocted in water and taken on an empty stomach. This is named Shun Qi San and is highly effective. For Da Feng Li Jie (severe wind affecting joints) with finger spasms and unbearable pain, the stems, leaves, roots, and fruits of Cang Er (Xanthium strumarium) can all be ground into powder and taken as pills.

When Chi You Dan Du (Red Roaming Carbuncle/Toxin) appears on the upper body, Liang Ge San (Cooling the Chest Powder) is used for systemic symptoms. Two types of Can Sha (Silkworm Feces) are finely ground, mixed with the natural juice extracted from Jian Dao Cao Gen (Wild Arrowhead Root/Shan Ci Gu), applied first to the abdomen, then to the affected area; one side must be left untreated as an exit point. Movement of the redness at the affected site indicates efficacy. Jian Dao Cao Gen is also known as Ye Ci Gu (Wild Arrowhead). To treat Chi You Feng, Fu Long Gan (Kitchen Hearth Earth) is mixed with Ji Zi Qing (Egg White) for topical application, while Chi Tu Shui (Water prepared with Red Earth) is taken internally. To treat Chi Liu (Red Flowing Carbuncle), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Mu Tong (Akebiae Caulis), Jing Jie (Schizonepetae Herba), Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix), and Tao Ren (Persicae Semen) are used—bitter herbs that release the exterior—to address heat injuring the blood. Ba Jiao You (Plantain Oil) is applied topically, or alternatively, fresh Ba Jiao (Plantain) is mashed and applied. For Xiao Er Tian Huo Dan (Pediatric Heavenly Fire Carbuncle) starting from the waist upwards, termed Chi Liu, Ni Wan Ni (Earthworm Mound Soil) mixed with oil is applied topically. For Leng Feng Dan (Cold Wind Carbuncle), Che Qian Zi Ye (Plantain Seed Leaf) juice is mixed with Fu Long Gan for application, or internal administration is even better. For Xiao Er Dan Du (Pediatric Carbuncle Toxicity), Lan Dian (Indigo Naturalis) is applied topically. Another method uses Han Shui Shi (Borax/Rock Salt mineral) and Bai Tu (White Earth) ground into powder, mixed with Mi Cu (Rice Vinegar) for application, changing it when it cools down. For Dan Du E Chuang (Carbuncle Toxicity and Malignant Sores) with variable colors, Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) powder mixed with honey is applied. Another method uses Di Long Shi (Earthworm Excrement) mixed with water for topical application. Alternatively, Shui Zhong Tai (Aquatic Moss) is dried, ground, applied topically, and the water obtained from quenching is drunk, which is effective. For various heat-type Dan Du, Shi Lang (Scarab Beetle) ground with water is superior to Zi Xue (Purple Snow). Another method for Dan Du involves Mang Xiao (Mirabilite) mixed with water for topical application. When Chi You spreads up and down, reaching the heart leads to death; urgently, Ba Jiao Gen (Plantain Root) juice should be extracted, decocted, and applied topically.