Library

Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Fu Ling (Poria), Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (equal parts), Gui Xin (Cinnamomi Cortex, small amount).

For chronic sores resulting in deficiency of blood and qi, with sores appearing on the neck, face, abdomen, and back, this formula is indicated.

Sores and scabies occurring on the hands and feet are considered mild; those occurring on the neck, face, abdomen, and back indicate severe deficiency of blood and qi, which is a manifestation of "the path of the petty man growing" (excess of evil pathogens). Therefore, Ren Shen, Huang Qi, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and Gan Cao are used to greatly tonify qi. Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Bai Shao, Shu Di Huang, and Gui Xin are used to greatly tonify blood. When blood and qi are replenished, the sores on the abdomen and back heal first, symbolizing "the path of the noble person grows" (recovery of righteous qi) and "the path of the petty man declines" (disappearance of evil pathogens). Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder) from the Spleen and Stomach section can also be used as appropriate.

Ancient formulas include Ku Shen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix), Sha Shen (Glehniae Radix or Adenophorae Radix), Ren Dong Hua (Lonicerae Flos), and Zao Jiao Ci (Gleditsiae Spina) as effective medicines for treating sores. If following the aforementioned method of tonifying qi and blood, these herbs may be omitted for spontaneous recovery; if they must be used, Ku Shen should be stir-fried with wine.

In ancient topical applications, herbs such as She Chuang Zi (Cnidii Fructus), Chuan Jiao (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium), Xiong Huang (Realgar), Zhang Nao (Borneolum Syntheticum), Shui Yin (Mercurius), and Bing Lang (Arecae Semen) were used, sometimes with a small amount of Ren Yan (Arsenicum Rubrum), all intended to kill parasites. Qian Fen (Minium) and Huang Dan (Red Lead Oxide) were used to clear heat and resolve toxicity. Some were applied with vegetable oil, sesame oil, or lard. In my youth, I often used these topical remedies myself; they were often effective in one area but ineffective in another. Sometimes there was slight improvement after one month, followed by recurrence after two months. Ultimately, it was internal medication that led to recovery, proving that topical application had no lasting benefit. However, for superficial diseases, occasional cures via topical application do occur, so topical treatments are not entirely discarded.

Preface: The illusory and changing body cannot avoid death. To speak of sudden death implies an unnatural demise. The gentleman accepts his fate in accordance with principle; why attribute it to an accidental death?

Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Gan Cao, Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Tian Ma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma).

Sudden collapse, lockjaw, foaming at the mouth, warmth of the body, and a deficient and large pulse indicate stroke-like sudden death (Zhong Feng Bao Si); this formula is indicated.

"Sudden death" refers to collapsing abruptly and losing consciousness. Wind-dryness causes tendon tension, leading to lockjaw. Foaming at the mouth results from excessive wind and surging qi, resembling the surge of a tide. Since wind is a yang pathogen, it causes the body to feel warm. A deficient and large pulse indicates deficiency of righteous qi and excess of evil qi. At this time, using acrid-dispersing agents to expel wind would cause the faint qi to cease, which is not the correct treatment. Therefore, the sweet-warm properties of Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and Gan Cao are used to urgently secure the qi. Subsequently, the acrid and dispersing properties of Ban Xia and Chen Pi are used to calm the foam. Tian Ma is added to settle the wind pathogen.