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In the administration of medicines for treating carbuncles and sores (superficial suppurative infections), care should primarily be taken to protect the Spleen and Stomach; cooling herbs should only be used when necessary. However, once the disease is addressed, dosage must not be excessive.

The general principle is: In the early stage of the disease, if there is an accompanying Wind-Cold pathogen, one should first administer a dose of Xiongzhi Xiangsu San (Sichuan Lovage, Chrysanthemum, and Perilla Leaf Powder) to disperse the exterior. After dispersion, if the swelling has not subsided, Honeysuckle (Jinyinhua, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos) and Licorice (Gancao, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) should be used to harmonize and resolve toxicity. If the swelling and pain are severe, accompanied by constipation and extreme internal heat, Weisheng Tang (Health Preservation Decoction) with added Rhubarb (Dahuang, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) should be used to unblock the bowels and promote drainage. If the pathological condition is vigorous but the Yuan Qi (Original Qi) is gradually weakening, tonic-boosting agents must be combined with clearing herbs; Tou Nong San (Pus-Penetrating Powder) is the primary formula. Once the pus has drained, the treatment must focus on tonifying and boosting the Yuan Qi, using Shen Nei Tuo San (Ginseng Internal-Supporting Powder) as the main formula. If the Yuan Qi is deficient and cold, acrid-hot herbs should be added as assistants to the tonic-boosting prescription. For Spleen deficiency, Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) or Shenling Baizhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder) is indicated. For Qi deficiency with sinking, Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) is used. For Cold invading the Stomach channel with food stagnation, Huoxiang Zhengqi San (Patchouli Powder to Rectify the Qi) is prescribed. For dual deficiency of Qi and Blood, Shiquan Dabu Tang (Ten Ingredients Great Tonifying Decoction) with added Aconite (Fuzi, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) and Deer Antler (Lurong, Cervi Cornu Degelatinatum) is employed. Occasionally, there may be deficiency accompanied by Heat; in such cases, remove Aconite, Ginger (Shengjiang, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), and Cinnamon (Rougui, Cinnamomi Cortex) from the previous formulas, and add Ophiopogon (Maidong, Ophiopogonis Radix), Honeysuckle, and Moutan Bark (Danpi, Moutan Cortex) to complete the treatment. This point must not be overlooked.

Generally speaking, toxins can be classified into Yang Toxin, Yin Toxin, and Half-Yin Half-Yang Toxin, which require careful differentiation. Yang Toxin manifests as redness and swelling of the sore, a high and pointed apex, a localized base, normal appetite, thirst, constipation, heat sensation in the palms, soles, and chest (Five Hearts Hot), and a surging and rapid pulse. Yin Toxin manifests as grayish-white color of the sore, flat and collapsed appearance, stubborn numbness, mild pain, spreading base, poor appetite, loose stools, cold extremities, cold breath from mouth and nose, and a deep and slow pulse. Half-Yin Half-Yang Toxin manifests as redness of the swelling but without significant height, slightly reduced appetite, non-constipated stool, alternating chills and fever, slight thirst preferring hot drinks, and a weak and soft pulse. These three types must be carefully differentiated to ensure that the use of cold and warm herbs is appropriate, which constitutes the correct method. The treatment for Yang involves clearing heat and resolving toxicity; the treatment for Yin involves warming the middle and restoring Yang. The treatment for Half-Yin Half-Yang involves clearing heat without damaging the Stomach and warming without assisting the pathogen; this is all there is to it.