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Carbuncle (Ding Chuang) arises from the succession of the four seasons and the transformation of Yin and Yang. When these two Qi mutually agitate, violent Qi inevitably forms. However, when this violent Qi suddenly occurs, if one encounters strong wind, heavy fog, extreme cold, or intense heat without being able to avoid them, the pathogenic factors invade the skin, enter the four limbs, and transmit through the meridians. This causes the Cou Li (skin texture and pores) to become blocked and full, preventing the smooth circulation of Yin and Yang Qi, thereby forming Carbuncle toxin.

There are thirteen types of Carbuncle toxins, which invariably appear on the hands and feet, presenting as yellow blisters. Some may appear purple with a red line extending straight inward. In such cases, a needle should be used to prick the area along the red line to drain toxic blood and fluid. The pricking is considered effective when pain is felt and bleeding occurs. Otherwise, if the red line penetrates into the abdomen and attacks the Heart, it will inevitably lead to critical danger.

In treating Carbuncle toxins, one should first have the patient drink wheat gruel water. If vomiting occurs, the treatment is appropriate; if not, it is not. Generally, if the pulse is surging and rapid, recovery is difficult.

One prescription: Feilong Duoming Dan (Flying Dragon Life-Stealing Pill) for malignant carbuncles with miraculous efficacy. (See the "Various Sores" chapter for the formula.)

One prescription: For carbuncle swelling and unnamed sore toxins. Pinch off the head of the sore, remove the clear fluid, and apply mashed green onion bulb. Miraculous efficacy.

One prescription: For unnamed swelling toxins and carbuncles. If the finger spontaneously develops a snake-head-like swelling, with unbearable pain and swelling, and red veins extending toward the heart:
Herbs: Centipede (Wugong, 2 qian), Realgar (Xionghuang, 1 qian), Angelicae Sinensis Radix Tail (Guiwei), Paeoniae Rubra Radix (Chishao), Angelicae Dahuricae Radix Tip (Baizhi Shao) (each 2 qian).
Preparation: Crush and grind the above herbs into powder. For sores on the head, take with wine after roasting. Miraculous efficacy.

One discussion: Zhao Fu Xiaoling Dan (Zhao Mansion Little Spirit Pill) for all malignant carbuncles, various unnamed swellings, and initial stages of wind-cold or cold-damage in the four seasons characterized by aversion to cold, high fever, and anhidrosis.
Herbs: Frankincense (Ruxiang), Myrrh (Moyao), Calomelas (Qingfen), Dragon's Blood (Xuexue), Cinnabar (Zhusha), Aconitum Carmichaelii Lateral Root Process (Chuanwu Jian), Aconitum Kusnezoffii Lateral Root Process (Caowu Jian), Asarum (Xixin), Croton Seed Frost (Badoushuang), Toad Venom (Chansu), Musk (Shexiang, halved dosage).
Preparation: Grind the above herbs into fine powder. Form pills using rice paste, sized like millet seeds. Coat with Realgar. Take 13 pills per dose; children take 5–7 pills. Split three stalks of white scallion, insert the pill inside, chew thoroughly, and swallow with good wine. Cover with a blanket to induce sweating and avoid wind. Contraindicated for pregnant women.

One discussion: Shenfang Leisheng San (Miracle Formula Class-Saint Powder) for all carbuncles, malignant toxins, swelling, and pain.
Herbs: Aconitum Carmichaelii Lateral Root (Chuanwu), Aconitum Kusnezoffii Lateral Root (Caowu), Atractylodes Rhizome (Cangzhu), Asarum (Xixin), Angelicae Dahuricae Radix (Baizhi), Mint (Bohe), Saposhnikovia Root (Fangfeng), Licorice Root (Gancao) (each 5 qian).
Preparation: Grind the above herbs into fine powder. Mix with egg white and apply to the affected area, leaving the top exposed.

One note: For patients suffering from carbuncles, abscesses, furuncles, and toxins, this medicine can resolve the toxicity internally, transforming it into black water that exits via urination. It is foolproof and should not be underestimated.
Herbs: Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu), Fritillaria Bulb (Beimu), Bletilla Tuber (Baiji), Pinellia Tuber (Banxia), Trichosanthes Root (Tianhuafen), Gleditsia Sinensis Thorn (Zaojiaoci), Honeysuckle Flower (Jinyinhua), Pangolin Scales (Chuanshanjia, stir-fried), Frankincense (Ruxiang) (each 1 qian).
Preparation: Cut the above herbs into pieces for one dose. Decoct in one bowl of pure wine until half remains. Strain and take as a single dose, warm. Do not modify the dosage. Mash the dregs, add one liang of Hibiscus Mutabilis Leaf harvested after autumn, mash again, mix with honey and well water, and apply to the sore. If dry, re-moisten with honey. After one night, it will naturally subside. No second dose is needed. Avoid stimulating foods.

A case: A person developed a carbuncle on the dorsum of the foot. Although small like a millet grain, the toxicity was severe, requiring harsh purgative medicines to attack it. Due to his weak constitution, moxibustion with garlic partition was applied for over fifty moxa cones. The itching stopped immediately. After a short while more moxibustion, pain was felt. Subsequently, medicinal plaster was applied, and the condition gradually improved using Renshen Baidu San (Ginseng Detoxifying Decoction). The foot is located at the lowest Yin part of the body, distant and remote. For a weak individual, using harsh purgatives would damage the Stomach Qi before the medicinal power reaches the lesion, leading to the disaster of deficiency exacerbating deficiency. Therefore, moxibustion is more suitable.