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[Preface] People consider the absence of disease as health. Although scabies is regarded as a minor ailment, if the itching persists and scratching is not ceased, it does not conform to the standard of well-being. Therefore, six examinations are recorded to treat this condition, hoping that there will be almost no sores or ulcers.

Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Chuangui (Angelica Sinensis Radix), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) (stir-fried), Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) (nodes removed), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (stir-fried), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus) (stir-fried until black), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), Jingjie (Schizonepetae Spica), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Huashi (Talcum), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma).

When there are scabies on the exterior and excess heat in the interior, this formula is indicated.

All pain, ulcers, and itching belong to Heart Fire. Therefore, when there are scabies on the body surface, there must be excess heat in the interior. In this formula, Fangfeng and Mahuang are used to drain heat from the skin and hair follicles; Shigao, Huangqin, Lianqiao, and Jiegeng are used to drain heat from the Lung and Stomach; Jingjie, Bohe, and Chuanxiong are used to drain heat from the seven orifices; Dahuang, Mangxiao, Huashi, and Zhizi are used to drain heat from the two yin (anterior and posterior orifices). This is to disperse and eliminate the pathogenic factor through various pathways. Danggui and Baishao are used to harmonize the blood. Baizhu and Gancao are used to regulate the Middle Jiao. For cross-references, see the sections on Wind-Stroke and Fire.

Chuanxiong, Danggui, Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), Chishaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Dahuang, Gancao, Puxiao (Natrii Sulfas) (equal parts).

This formula is indicated for scabies accompanied by pain.

All pain belongs to Excess patterns, and Excess can be purged. Therefore, Puxiao and Dahuang are used to purge the excess; Shengdihuang and Chishaoyao are used to cool the blood; Chuanxiong and Danggui are used to harmonize the Ying (Nutritive) Qi; Gancao is used to harmonize the Wei (Defensive) Qi. This formula is a purgative preparation. It can only be used when both the physical constitution (Xingqi) and the pathogenic factor (Bingqi) are substantial. If the pathogenic factor is excessive but the physical constitution is deficient, one may use the preceding Fangfeng Tongsheng San, removing Dahuang and Mangxiao.

Danggui, Fangfeng (each 1 qian), Huangqi (5 qian), Lianqiao (2 qian).

This formula is indicated for scabies with blood but no pus, and unceasing itching.

Having blood but no pus indicates a deficiency of Exterior Qi. All itching belongs to Deficiency patterns, and Deficiency can be tonified. Therefore, Danggui and Huangqi are used to greatly tonify Qi and Blood. Fangfeng serves to guide Danggui and Huangqi directly to the exterior; with the guidance of Fangfeng, the efficacy of these two herbs becomes faster. Lianqiao merely resolves wandering heat in the various meridians. After taking this medicine for several doses, the sores will transform into pus, expelling toxins. Continued administration until the pus is full and toxins are exhausted will remove the root of the disease and prevent the formation of scars. If the pus remains wet for a long time without drying, remove Huangqi and add Baizhu and Fuling to dry dampness. This follows the principle of treating ulcerative conditions effectively.