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When chickenpox lesions present with itching, it is essential to first clearly distinguish between the skin layers. The epidermis (skin surface) and dermis (subcutaneous tissue) are distinct; without this distinction, one cannot understand the root cause of itching in chickenpox.

When body fluids accumulate entirely outside the epidermis and inside the dermis, the qi within the pock pits (depressions of the lesions) becomes deficient. This deficiency prevents the progression of pus formation, suppuration, and scabbing. Consequently, the epidemic toxin cannot exit outward through the dermis nor enter inward into the epidermis. The toxin remains trapped between the outer epidermis and inner dermis, causing itching.

Physicians, adhering to the *Suwen* principle that "all sores and ulcers involving pain and itching belong to fire," often indiscriminately use cooling agents. This suppresses the vital qi, failing to stop the itching while further damaging stomach qi. Others rely solely on tonifying qi, which exacerbates blood stasis. As blood stasis worsens, qi is even less able to reach the skin. For macules at this stage, a formula combining qi-tonifying and blood-breaking properties should be used to unblock the blood vessels, allowing qi to directly reach the skin. There is no case where such a single dose fails to immediately cease the itching.

This formula is effective regardless of whether the lesions are clustered, covering the head like an inverted pot, scattered finely across the body, or accompanied by rashes and macules presenting as vesicles. Whether the color is purple or dark, the herbs in this prescription are neither excessively cold nor hot, nor do they aggressively purge or downbear. It is indeed an excellent formula.

* Tao Ren (Persicae Semen, 8 qian, ground)
* Hong Hua (Carthami Flos, 4 qian)
* Chi Shao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra, 3 qian)
* Shan Jia (Homo Squama, 4 qian, stir-fried)
* Zao Ci (Gleditsiae Spina, 6 qian)
* Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus, 3 qian, heart removed)
* Di Long (Pheretima, 3 qian, heart removed)
* Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix, 1 qian)
* She Xiang (Moschus, 3 li, wrapped in silk)

Decoct in water and take orally.
If stool is dry, add Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, 2 qian); if bowel movements are normal, remove Da Huang. After five to six days, when clear or white pus appears, remove She Xiang and add Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, 5 qian).
For children aged two or three, halve the dosage; for children aged eight or nine, increase the dosage by half.

Formula Verse:
Tong Jing uses Shan Jia, Zao Ci, She Xiang, and Di Long,
Zhu Yu employs Chi Shao, Tao Ren, and Hong Hong.
Lian Qiao and Chai Hu resolve the toxin,
If stool is dry, use a little Da Huang to purge.

This formula treats choking upon drinking that occurs five to six days after the onset of chickenpox.

* Tao Ren (Persicae Semen, 5 qian, stir-fried)
* Hong Hua (Carthami Flos, 5 qian)
* Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 3 qian)
* Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix, 3 qian)
* Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, 4 qian)
* Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 2 qian)
* Yuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix, 1 qian)
* Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix, 1 qian)
* Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, 2 qian)
* Chi Shao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra, 2 qian)

Decoct in water and take orally.

This formula specifically addresses choking upon drinking occurring five to six days post-onset. If convulsions occur after chickenpox accompanied by choking upon drinking, this is due to qi deficiency failing to allow the epiglottis to tightly cover the trachea. In such cases, treat according to formulas for convulsions.

Formula Verse:
Hui Yan Zhu Yu targets the disease source,
Tao Ren, Hong Hua, Gan Cao, Jie Geng, Sheng Di, Dang Gui, and Yuan Shen.
Chai Hu, Zhi Ke, and Chi Shao,
Choking from water and blood stasis will heal immediately.