Library

A woman presented with swelling and pain in the external genitalia, difficult and obstructed urination (Xiao Shui), and alternating chills and fever in the evening. This was caused by Damp-Heat in the Liver Meridian (Gan Jing Shi Re). After taking two doses of Longdan Xiegan Tang (Gentiana Decoction to Drain the Liver), urination became smooth; subsequently, she took Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) combined with Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction), adding Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes Root), Mutong (Akebia Stem), and Chao Shanzhi (Stir-fried Gardenia Fruit), after which she recovered.

Another woman suffered from unexplained fever for over a month, suddenly presenting with a protrusion from the vagina resembling a piece of chicken comb. This was due to Liver Qi Stagnation and Spleen Deficiency (Gan Yu Pi Xu). She was treated with Buchong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) added with Qingpi (Green Tangerine Peel), Shanzhi (Gardenia Fruit), Chaihu (Bupleurum Root), and Huangqin (Scutellaria Root). Externally, Gancao (Licorice Root), Baizhi (Angelica Dahurica), Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), and Zisu (Perilla Leaf) were decocted for daily fumigation and washing. After more than ten days, the lesion gradually shrank. The previous formula was then used again with doubled amounts of Renshen (Ginseng) and Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), leading to stability after one month.

Yet another woman experienced vaginal itching, five-palm heat (Wu Xin Fan Re) at night, thirst, and insomnia. This resulted from excessive worry causing Heart-Kidney Non-interaction (Xin Shen Bu Jiao). She took Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) added with Longdancao (Gentiana Root), Shanzhi (Gardenia Fruit), Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), and Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome). Externally, Yinxing San (Ginkgo Powder) was inserted into the vagina, stopping the itching within two days. In the morning, she took Bawei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia), and at noon, Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) added with Yin Chaihu (Stellaria Root) and Yinchen (Artemisia Capillaris). She recovered after one month.

A fourth woman had unilateral swelling and pain of the external genitalia, accompanied by chills and fever, dry mouth, constipation, and a full, forceful pulse. One dose of Neishu Huanglian Tang (Internal Purging Coptis Decoction) relieved constipation and dry mouth, but swelling and pain remained severe, indicating that Damp-Toxin accumulation was about to suppurate. Two doses of Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) added with Jiaozhen (Gleditsia Sinensis Spine) and Zexie (Alisma Rhizome) were given. When pus matured and caused distending pain, one dose of Tou Nong San (Pus-Releasing Powder) was administered, expelling approximately one zhong (a traditional volume unit) of foul-smelling pus, immediately relieving the pain. She then took more than ten doses of Bazhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction) added with Danpi (Moutan Cortex) and Zexie (Alisma Rhizome), achieving stability.

Another woman suffered from severe edema and itching of the external genitalia due to Wind-Dampness flowing downward from the Liver Meridian, scratching until bleeding occurred without pain. She took Xiaofeng San (Wind-Expelling Powder) added with Kushen (Sophora Root), Danshen (Salvia Miltiorrhiza - *Note: Text says Dancao, likely Longdancao or Kushen contextually, but strictly translating as Dancao/Gentian*), Zexie (Alisma Rhizome), Mutong (Akebia Stem), and Shanzhi (Gardenia Fruit). Externally, she underwent fumigation and washing with Shechuangzi Tang (Cnidium Decoction) and applied Yinxing San (Ginkgo Powder). Itching ceased and swelling subsided after more than ten days, leading to recovery.

A widow who had lived alone for over ten years suffered from vaginal itching with parasitic infestation. She endured it silently until the external genitalia were eaten away, extending to the internal organs, resulting in emaciation, fever, thirst, and a surging, floating, and rapid pulse. Only then did she seek medical help. Upon inquiry, it was found that the itching and pain had persisted for a long time, the genitalia were black and necrotic, urinary incontinence was present, and the internal organs were already destroyed, making medication impossible. However, she pleaded for treatment. I stated, "Itching is caused by parasites; pain is caused by tissue damage." First, several crucian carp were roasted with spices, wrapped thinly in silk cotton, and inserted into the vagina for a prolonged period. Upon removal, red worms were extracted, some one cun long, others 5-6 fen, fine as silk threads, numbering more than twenty. They were placed in warm water and swayed until they died. Her family rejoiced, believing she could be cured. I said, "No, they will regenerate endlessly." Despite forced administration of Blood-Nourishing and Liver-Calming medicines, she ultimately failed to recover and died.