Library

Li stated: When a carbuncle (ju) is about to heal, one should take Shiquan Dabu Tang (Ten Complete Tonifying Decoction) daily to tonify Qi and Blood. It is advisable to alternate its administration with Painong Neibu Shixuan San (Decoction for Discharging Pus and Internal Tonification).

My commentary: As mentioned previously, ulcers belong to the category of deficiency of both Qi and Blood, so tonification is indeed indicated; however, in cases where swelling lesions (zhongyang) present with weak Qi and Blood, preemptive tonification is especially appropriate. Otherwise, even if the lesion ulcerates, it will not heal. After severe illnesses, when Qi and Blood have not yet recovered, recurrence is common; without regulation and tonification, the condition will likely transform into other critical syndromes. Some mistakenly attribute this to the recurrence of toxin from sores and instead use purgative methods, which accelerates the deterioration and prevents recovery; this is a profound warning (see Appendix on Key Points of Medication Use).

Li stated: For those suffering from sores or carbuncles with a deficient Kidney pulse, urgent administration of tonifying medicines is required. However, caution is needed; using herbs like Deer Antler Lu Rong (Cervum Cornu) or Aconite Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) is akin to carrying firewood to save a fire, which only exacerbates the condition, while mild tonifying agents may also fail to produce results. There was a nobleman suffering bitterly from a carbuncle who found no relief from various medicines. I advised him to take Shanyao Wan (Dioscorea Pill). Administered according to method at the beginning of the fifth watch (5-7 AM), before food intake and before the "Kidney Gate" opens, taken for three days, his pulse and symptoms returned to normal. Only in cases of deep-seated cold and chronic chill in the Kidney Meridian are Deer Antler Lu Rong (Cervum Cornu) and Aconite Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) applicable.

My commentary: The aforementioned formula indeed possesses the power to revive the dying; the treatment principles are discussed earlier.

Jiawei Shiquan Tang (Modified Ten Complete Tonifying Decoction): Treats post-ulceration of carbuncles and sores, tonifies Qi and Blood, and promotes appetite.
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix stir-fried with salt water), Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix, homemade), Dang Gui Shen (Angelicae Sinensis Radix tip, washed with wine), Fu Ling (Poria, each 1 qian), Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 0.7 qian), Fen Cao (Licorice Root, 0.5 qian), Gui Xin (Cinnamomi Cortex, 0.3 qian), Ju Hong (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Rubrum, 1 qian), Wu Yao (Linderae Radix, 0.5 qian), Bai Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 1 qian), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, stir-fried 1.5 qian), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus, 0.5 qian).
Decoct in water and take orally.

My commentary: The aforementioned formula is effective for swelling lesions or ulcers presenting with weak Qi and Blood. Further consideration of meridians and seasonal timing yields better results.

Renshen Neibu San (Ginseng Internal Tonification Powder)
Bai Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, stir-fried), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, stir-fried), Fu Ling (Poria, each 1 liang), Fen Cao (Licorice Root, honey-roasted 1 liang), Gui Xin (Cinnamomi Cortex), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix, each 1 liang), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, soaked in wine and stir-fried), Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix, homemade), Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix, each 2 liang).
Take 5 qian per dose, decoct with fresh ginger and jujube in water.

My commentary: The aforementioned formula is suitable for Qi and Blood deficiency. However, since Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) drains Lung heat, Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber) is cooling to the Middle Jiao, and Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix) moves Qi, these herbs should only be used when corresponding pathologies exist.

Shenxiao Tuoli San (Miraculous Interior-Supporting Powder): Treats all types of carbuncles, back carbuncles, and intestinal abscesses.
Jin Yin Ye (Lonicerae Japonicae Folium), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, stir-fried with salt water), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, each 5 qian), Fen Cao (Licorice Root, 2 qian).
Decoct in wine for oral administration, and apply externally to the affected area.

My commentary: The aforementioned formula is an excellent agent for supporting the interior and dispelling toxins. If exterior-releasing or interior-purgative treatments are desired, there are specific primary formulas for each.

Paionong Neibu Shixuan San (Decoction for Discharging Pus and Internal Tonification, also known as Shiqi San or Neibu San): Treats sores that have not yet formed pus (disperses quickly) or have already formed pus (promotes rapid ulceration), allowing pus and toxins to exit naturally, with miraculous efficacy.
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Fen Gan Cao (Licorice Root, stir-fried), Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, stir-fried with salt water, each 2 liang), Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Hou Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, processed with ginger), Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix, baked, each 1 liang), Xiang Bai Zhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, 5 qian), Guan Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex, 3 qian).
Grind into powder. Take 3 qian per dose, administered with pure wine (without ash). Take several times day and night. Continue taking after recovery to prevent recurrence. Muxiang Tang (Aucklandiae Decoction) can also be used.

My commentary: For conditions characterized by weak Yang and Yin, with stagnation due to Wind-Cold preventing ulceration, this formula is appropriate. For conditions where Heat-Toxin accumulation prevents ulceration, Tuoli Xiaodu San (Interior-Supporting and Toxin-Dispersing Powder) is appropriate. For conditions where weak Qi and Blood prevent ulceration, Shenqi Tuoli San (Ginseng and Astragalus Interior-Supporting Powder) is appropriate.