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*Yimen Fang* records: Bian Que said: For conditions such as carbuncle (Yong), swelling, boil (Jie), ulcer (Ju), wind-swelling, and malignant toxic swelling, moxibustion should be applied to the top of the lesion for thousands of burns; the surrounding areas should also receive three to two hundred burns. This is a secret method of physicians. For small lesions, moxibustion is applied to five or six points; for large lesions, seven or eight points. To treat carbuncles and ulcers that have swollen for one or two days without suppuration, take fulonggan (Fossilized Soil from the Center of the Stove), sift it, mix with vinegar into a paste, apply to old cloth, and patch onto the swelling. Replace when dry; there will be no case that does not resolve. (Note: *Ge Shi Fang* uses egg yolk for application.)

*Liu Juanzi Fang* records: In severe cases of carbuncles and ulcers, the premonitory signs before onset begin with hunger and thirst. At the initial stage, some present as white ulcers resembling small boils, or with severe pain. These are subtle signs that require careful observation. To verify, press firmly on the affected area; if there is dull pain, then press the periphery to compare findings. After confirmation, immediately apply moxibustion: first, two to three hundred burns on the apex, followed by one to two hundred burns on the periphery. For minor cases, moxibustion on the periphery; for moderate cases, six points; for major cases, eight points. The number of burns and points should not be limited. After moxibustion, immediately apply a cold plaster to promote rapid resolution. Internally administer Buan Tang (Tonifying Warmth Decoction) or San (Powder). If ineffective, apply a cold external plaster. If still ineffective, use a hot plaster method, opening the orifice to vent heat.

Xi Jiao Tuo Tang Formula (Rhinoceros Horn Compress Decoction) for treating early-stage carbuncles and ulcers that are swollen, non-erythematous but rapidly growing and hot, which cannot be controlled by ordinary plasters:
Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn, 3 liang) Da Huang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome, 3 liang) Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma, 3 liang) Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, 3 liang) Zhi Zi (Gardeniae Fructus, 3 liang) Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 3 liang) Gan Cao (Licorice Root and Rhizome, 3 liang)
Cut the above seven herbs, decoct in 12 sheng of water to obtain 6 sheng. Cool the liquid thoroughly. Dip double-layered old silk into the cold decoction and compress the swollen area. Replace frequently to keep it moist, changing hundreds of times over day and night.

Huang Bo Tie Formula (Phellodendron Plaster) for treating carbuncle swelling with yellow discharge, scrofula, and impending back carbuncle with pain sensation:
Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex, 1 liang) Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, 1 liang) Xiong Qiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 1 liang) Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 1 liang) Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 1 liang) Bai Lian (Ampelopsis Radix, 1 liang) Chi Shao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra, 1 liang) Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix, 1 liang)
Pulverize the above eight herbs. Mix with egg white and apply to old cloth. Patch onto the swelling. Replace when dry. For heat-predominant cases, add an additional 1 liang of Bai Lian; for pain-predominant cases, add an additional 1 liang of Dang Gui.

*Qianjin Fang* records: Whenever carbuncles and ulcers first appear, whether starting as small boils, causing severe pain, mild pain, or producing millet-grain-sized white pus heads, these are all subtle signs requiring careful observation. Upon noticing any anomaly, act with urgency and treat immediately. Once dietary taste changes, quickly administer various decoctions to purge heat toxins. If medical resources are unavailable, apply one hundred moxa cones to the head. For severe cases, apply two to three hundred burns to the four sides and head; the number of burns need not be excessive. Additionally, apply cold medicinal plasters. Through various rescue treatments, rapid recovery is assured. Alternatively, insert a large needle into the head to a depth of four fen for cure.

For various atypical swellings differing in nature, regardless of duration, administer Wu Xiang Tang (Five Fragrances Decoction), puncture to bleed, and apply a adzuki bean powder plaster. Puncture repeatedly to remove blood. If neglected until ulceration occurs, continue administering Wu Xiang Tang and Lou Lu Tang (Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba Decoction) to purge, wash and fumigate with Sheng Ma Tang (Cimicifugae Rhizoma Decoction), and massage with Sheng Ma Gao (Cimicifugae Rhizoma Ointment). For polyps, apply Bai Lu Ru San (White Reed Root Powder); stop once green-black necrotic tissue is removed. When healthy flesh grows, apply Sheng Ma Gao; if muscle fails to regenerate, apply Yi Wu Huang Bo San (Single Herb Phellodendron Powder). If using Bai Lu Ru and green-black necrotic tissue remains, mix half a qian of Qi Tou and Ru with three qian of Bai Ru San for slight application. (Note: Wu Xiang Tang is found in formulas for Ding Zhong; Lou Lu Tang, Sheng Ma Tang, and Sheng Ma Gao are in formulas for Dan Du; Huang Bo San and Ru San are in formulas for Huan Ju.)

Nei Xiao San Formula (Internal Dissolving Powder): Suitable for all carbuncles and ulcers.
Chi Xiao Dou (Adzuki Bean, 1 sheng, roasted, soaked in vinegar, repeated seven times) Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 2 liang) Gan Cao (Licorice Root and Rhizome, 2 liang) Qu Mai (Polygoni Avicularis Herba, 2 liang) Bai Lian (Ampelopsis Radix, 3 liang) Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 2 liang) Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, 2 liang) Zhu Ling (Polyporus, 2 liang) Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix, 1 liang) Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex, 3 liang) Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen, 3 liang) Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma, 4 liang)
Twelve ingredients. Take one fang cun bi with wine, three times daily and twice at night. Long-term use leads to cure. (Note: *Guangji Fang* is identical. However, *Fan Wang Fang* states Nei Xiao San treats non-ulcerating carbuncle swelling: Bai Zhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, 10 parts) Bai Wei (Cynanchi Atrati Radix, 10 parts) Xiong Qiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 7 parts) Chi Shao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra, 10 parts) Jiao (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium, 7 he) Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, 7 parts) Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 7 parts) Cao Guo (Tsaoko Fructus, 7 parts). Eight ingredients total. Grind and mix. Take half a fang cun bi with wine, twice daily. Another version, *Ling Li Fang*, for non-ulcerating carbuncle swelling: Bai Zhi (10 parts) Chi Shao (10 parts) Shu Jiao (Zanthoxyllum Bungeanum Pericarpium, 7 he) Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas, 10 parts) Xiong Qiong (7 parts) Dang Gui (7 parts) Gan Jiang (7 parts). Seven ingredients. Sift. Take half a fang cun bi with wine, twice daily. One version adds Bai Lian (1 part).)

Formula for Carbuncle Swelling Pain, Irritation, and Exhaustion:
Apply ten layers of fresh Qiu Ye (Paulownia Leaf). Wrap with cloth, ensuring it is loose, not tight. Change twice daily. It stops pain, reduces swelling, and promotes pus discharge better than other plasters. In winter, use pre-dried leaves, moistening them with salt water before use. (*Ge Shi Fang* and *Liu Juanzi Fang* agree.)

Guangji Xi Jiao Wan (Guangji Rhinoceros Horn Pill): Treats all toxic swellings, carbuncles, breast abscesses, and back carbuncles. Ingestion relieves pain, liquefies pus into fluid, and expels it via urination and defecation. Highly effective formula:
Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn, 12 fen) Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma, 1 liang) Da Huang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome, 5 fen) Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, 5 fen) Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix, 1 liang) Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 1 fen) Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex, 1 liang) Zhi Zi Ren (Gardeniae Fructus, 1 liang) Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, 1 liang) Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 1 liang) Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 1 liang) Gan Cao (Licorice Root and Rhizome, 1 liang) Ba Dou (Crotonis Fructus, 23 seeds, dehearted, depelted, roasted)
Thirteen ingredients. Grind and sift. Mix with honey to form pills the size of wu zi (catalpa seeds). Take ten pills on an empty stomach with warm water, aiming for two to three loose stools. For maintenance, aim for mild diarrhea. (Avoid raw vegetables, fermented yeast, garlic with vinegar, kelp, pork, bamboo shoots, and sticky foods.)

*Xiaoyan Fang* Bai Lian Tie Formula (Bai Lian Plaster) for sudden carbuncle swelling:
Da Huang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome, 3 fen) Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, 3 fen) Chi Shao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra, 2 fen) Bai Lian (Ampelopsis Radix, 3 fen) Chi Shi Zhi (Halloysit Rubrum, 1 fen)
Five ingredients. Grind and sift. Mix with egg white into a paste. Apply thinly to paper and patch onto swelling. Replace when dry.

*Luyuan Fang* Song Zhi Tie Formula (Pine Resin Plaster) for carbuncle swelling with redness/pain and already ulcerated cases:
Cheng Lian Song Zhi (Processed Pine Resin, 1 jin) La Mi (Beeswax, 0.5 jin) Zhu Zhi (Pork Fat, 4 jin) Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 2 liang) Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 1 liang) Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex, 1 liang)
Six ingredients. Cut the first three herbs. Combine all. Boil three times, adding ingredients each time. When the color turns slightly purple, the medicine is ready. Strain off dregs. For initial swelling without pus, apply to paper and patch onto swelling, changing three times daily and twice nightly. For ulcerated cases with an opening, pierce the paper at the wound site, patching the surrounding area to concentrate pus and accelerate healing of adjacent flesh. (Note: Many formulas use pine resin plasters. *Liu Juanzi Fang* uses: Song Zhi 2 jin, Huang Lian 1 liang, Fu Zi 1 liang, Huang Qin 1 liang, Chi Shao 1 liang, Xi Xin 1 liang, Shi Gao 2 liang. *Xiaoyan Fang* uses: Xing Ren 1 liang, La Mi 1 liang, Song Zhi 1 liang, Hou Po 1 liang.)

(Note: Below is the annotation from the Uji edition.)

Qian Chuang Wan Bing Shuang Gao (Thousand Wounds Ten Thousand Diseases Frost Ointment): Treats metal/wood injuries, carbuncles, ulcers, and malignant sores. If applied at the very beginning of a carbuncle, rubbing the swelling five hundred times will cause it to resolve. If already ulcerated, insert into the wound to drain pus, etc. See the main formula for details.

*Duanju Fang* records: Classics state that when cold qi lodges in the meridians, blood and qi become stagnant and obstructed, leading to carbuncles and ulcers. It does not attribute this solely to heat. The formation of a carbuncle involves long-standing cold transforming into heat; excessive heat causes flesh to rot into pus. According to classical diagnostics, the cause is internal heat combated by external cold, causing blood vessel stagnation and heat accumulation. Therefore, treatment formulas include moxibustion for the initial stage (when cold has not yet transformed into heat) and cold plasters for later stages (to clear heat and prevent suppuration). Modern practitioners often fail to recognize the initial stage and neglect warming treatments and moxibustion. The following essential formulas are provided for treating established forms. Erythematous swelling with a pointed head and a base width of one cun is called a "Jie" (boil); wider than one cun is a small "Yong" (carbuncle); the size of a bean grain is...

Formula to Resolve Forming Carbuncles:
Take deer horn and grind it with water on a whetstone. Apply the juice to the dry area; reapplication resolves it. Internally, administer Lian Qiao Tang (Forsythiae Decoction).

Another Formula:
Grind fresh adzuki beans into powder. Mix with egg white into a paste and apply.

Formula for Early Carbuncle with Redness, Heat, and Pain:
Burn deer horn alone to ash. Mix with vinegar for topical application. Reapply when dry; it will resolve spontaneously.

Another Formula:
Grind Da Huang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome) alone. Mix with vinegar for topical application. Replace when warm.

Formula for Early Carbuncle and Boil with Swelling, Redness, and Heat:
Grind Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) with water. Apply. When dry, reapply to induce wrinkling and resolution. Fresh Ban Xia dug from mountain grasses is best; highly effective.

*Ge Shi Fang* for early-stage back and breast carbuncles with acute redness and pain, which can be fatal if untreated, to promote rapid resolution:
Apply only one hundred moxa burns.

Another Formula:
Use soil from the bottom of a cauldron. Grind and mix with egg yolk for application.

Another Formula:
Grind Zhu Gen (Boehmeriae Caulis) for topical application.

Another Formula:
Grind Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex) and sift. Mix with egg white. Apply thickly. Replace when dry; immediate cure.

Dozens of formulas for carbuncles affecting the back, abdomen, and genitals:
Use dried cow dung. Burn, grind finely, and sift through double-layered silk. Mix with egg white for application. Replace when dry. Secret recipe.

*Fan Wang Fang* for early-stage carbuncle swelling and acute pain:
Iron a cold iron until warm, then replace.

Another Formula:
Take rice flour, roast until completely black, grind into powder. Mix with egg white. Apply to silk gauze and patch onto swelling. Pierce a small hole in the gauze to vent gas; the carbuncle toxin will dissipate. Replace frequently. This is a mysterious prescription. (Note: *Ge Shi Fang*: Treats early-stage back and breast carbuncles with acute redness/pain for rapid resolution. *Erya* refers to a vegetable. Japanese name: Shiminaoke.)

*Bencao Shiyi* records: Shui Zhi (Leech). For patients with erysipelas or carbuncle/toxic swelling, take ten-plus leeches and let them bite the affected area until the skin wrinkles and flesh turns white; they will invariably cure. In cold months when leeches are scarce, dig them up from mud, keep them active in warm water. Wash the patient's skin, place leeches in a bamboo tube to suck blood. They will fill with blood and detach naturally. Use hungry leeches again. (Note: *Jingxin Fang* states: Use leeches to consume bad blood.)

*Seng Shen Fang* for Carbuncles:
Dust from roof beams and burnt sesame leaf powder in equal parts. Mix with vinegar for application. Reapply when dry. Also cures breast abscesses.