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[Formula Verse] In the early stage of Ru Lao (Breast Tuberculosis/Chronic Breast Abscess), a nodule appears in the breast and gradually swells and hardens. The base is diffuse, and the size resembles a plate. Before ulceration, putrefaction occurs first, presenting with mold-like spots on the skin. If the condition persists for a long time, draining foul pus and fluids will exacerbate symptoms of consumptive disease.

[Note] This condition originates from nodules within the breast. If resolution therapy fails or if proper treatment is neglected, delaying for several months, the mass gradually enlarges to the size of a plate or bowl, becoming hard and painful. The base is diffuse, spreading to the chest, hypochondrium, ribs, and axilla. The color may be purple or black. Before ulceration, putrefaction occurs; the outer skin shows mold-like spots and several ulcerated patches that gradually penetrate the skin. Mild cases discharge white fluid, while severe cases discharge foul-smelling water, which is known as "bai jiang nong" (foul purulent exudate). Over time, deep ulceration damages the membranes, internal pathology worsens, and symptoms such as afternoon fever, dry cough, malar flush, emaciation, poor appetite, and Yin deficiency appear, eventually transforming into Chuang Lao (consumptive disease resulting from chronic ulcers). At the initial stage of swelling and nodulation, patients with excess Qi should take Lou Bei San (Trichosanthes and Fritillaria Powder) and Shen Xiao Gua Lou San (Miraculous Trichosanthes Decoction); those with deficient Qi should take Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) combined with Gui Pi Tang (Spleen-Restoring Decoction). If signs of Yin deficiency are already evident, Liu Wei Di Huang Tang (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Decoction) should be taken to nourish the root. External treatment follows the guidelines for Carbuncles and Ulcers. However, it is very easy for this sore to transform into a consumptive disease, yet difficult to achieve efficacy.

Formula: Lou Bei San (Trichosanthes and Fritillaria Powder)
Composition: Trichosanthis Fructus (Gualou, 瓜蒌), Fritillariae Bulbus (Beimu, 贝母 - heart removed, ground), Arisaematis Rhizoma (Nanxing, 南星), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, 甘草 - raw), Forsythiae Fructum (Lianqiao, 连翘 - heart removed), each 1 qian.
Preparation and Administration: Decoct 2 zhong of water until reduced to 0.8 zhong, filter the dregs, add 0.2 zhong of wine, and take after meals. Optionally add Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Qingpi, 青皮) and Cimicifugae Rhizoma (Shengma, 升麻).

[Formula Verse] Lou Bei San treats breast nodules; neglect leads to Ru Lao. For initial swelling with Qi excess, take this formula: Nanxing, Gancao, and Lianqiao together.

Another Formula: Shen Xiao Gua Lou San (Miraculous Trichosanthes Decoction)
Composition: Large Trichosanthis Fructus (Da Gualou, 大瓜蒌 - peel removed, roasted and ground, one fruit), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui, 当归), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, 甘草 - raw, each 5 qian), Myrrha (Moyao, 没药), Olibanum (Ruxiang, 乳香, each 2 qian).
Preparation and Administration: Grind into coarse powder. Take 5 qian per dose, decoct with 3 zhong of strong wine over slow fire until reduced to 1 zhong, filter, and take after meals.

[Formula Verse] Shen Xiao Gua Lou San contains Myrrha and Olibanum; Gancao and Danggui ground are excellent. For initial swelling of Ru Lao, decoct with wine to consume; it dissipates hardness and harmonizes blood, a miraculous formula.

Another Formula: Xiao Yao San (See section on Upper Back Da Shou)
Gui Pi Tang (See section on Breast Nodules)
Liu Wei Di Huang Tang (i.e., Liu Wei Di Huang Wan modified into a decoction. See section on Facial Freckles)