Library

The *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states: "When there are worm masses (*chongjia*, abdominal lumps caused by parasitic accumulation) or roundworms (*jiaohui*, a type of parasite) in the intestines, small needles must not be used for acupuncture." It also says: "Food and drink enter the stomach. If there is heat in the stomach, the worms become active; when the worms are active, the stomach wall relaxes; when the stomach wall relaxes, saliva flows out." The so-called "worm pain" refers to pain caused by roundworms (*Ascaris lumbricoides*). This occurs primarily because children have weak spleen and stomach functions, and consume excessive amounts of sweet, fatty, and raw/cold foods. These foods stagnate in the body, forming accumulations (*ji*), which over time transform into worms. When the worms move, they cause abdominal pain. During an attack, a swollen lump can be felt in the abdomen. The pain comes and goes, starting suddenly and stopping abruptly, accompanied by nausea, vomiting of saliva, or clear fluid. If left untreated for a long time, the worms may grow up to one chi (approx. 33 cm) long, penetrating the stomach and damaging the heart, leading to death. Externally, the complexion is pale with red lips, and the six pulses (pulse positions at the cun, guan, and chi locations on both wrists) are surging and large. These are the signs. Patients with internal worms typically crave sweets or have pica, such as eating dirt, tea leaves, or charcoal. They should be treated with purgative and vermifuge methods, specifically using *Binglang Wan* (Areca Seed Pill).

Worm pain in children is common among those with weak and deficient spleen and stomach. However, vermifuge and accumulation-resolving methods should not be used frequently. After expelling the worms, it is crucial to promptly regulate and tonify the spleen and stomach. One may administer *Jicheng Fei'er Wan* (Chen Fuzheng's Spleen-Strengthening Pill), *Wumei Wan* (Mume Pill), or take *Liujunzi Tang* (Six Gentlemen Decoction) extensively to prevent the recurrence of worms.

[Binglang Wan] Treats all types of parasitic accumulation in children and kills various parasites.
Ingredients: Xiao Binglang (Arecae Semen, 1 liang), Nan Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix, 5 qian), Heshizi (Chrysanthemi Indici Fructus, 5 qian), Guang Guanzhong (Toosendan Fructus, 5 qian), Guang Xihui (Stannum Ash, 5 qian), Chen Qizha (Lac Residue, burnt to ash), Zheng Qingfen (Calomelas, 1 qian), Bai Leiwu (Wanrosii Fructus, 2 qian), Badoushuang (Crotonis Seminis Exsiccatum Oleum Extractum, 1 qian).
Preparation: Take 5 qian of lac residue ash and grind it finely with the other herbs. Use vinegar and wheat paste to form pills the size of hemp seeds. Take 20 pills at dawn (wugeng time), washed down with a decoction of *Kuilgenpi* (Meliae Cortex).

[Jicheng Feier Wan] See Formula in Volume 4, Section on Jaundice.
[Wumei Wan] See Formula in Volume 4, Section on Abdominal Pain.
[Liujunzi Tang] See Formula in Volume 4, Section on Convulsions.

Excessive consumption of sweet and fatty foods, or too many candies and sweets, leads to long-term retention of damp-heat, forming accumulations. Over time, these accumulations generate worms, causing intermittent abdominal pain. Palpation reveals lumps or cord-like structures in the abdomen. Externally, the face is pale with red lips, and the six pulses are floating and surging. The pain is intermittent, and the child can eat normally when the pain subsides; this is undoubtedly worm pain. There is also a severe form where death follows immediately after an episode of abdominal pain, which is also due to worms. To eliminate these worms, nothing is superior to *Kuilgenpi* (Meliae Cortex); it is truly the premier vermifuge formula in the world. The method is as follows: Perform the treatment in the early part of the lunar month, when the worms' heads are oriented upward. Dig up the roots of the Melia tree the night before. Select only the mother tree that bears fruit annually. Roots floating on the soil surface are toxic and should not be used; select only roots from deep within the soil. Wash clean, scrape off the red outer bark, and use only the white inner bark (4-5 qian for younger children, 6-7 qian for older children). Chop and set aside.

On the morning of the treatment, fry an egg in oil and let the child smell it to attract the worms' heads upward towards food. In a separate room, prepare a cup of strong decoction of *Kuilgenpi* in water. Ensure the child does not smell the medicinal odor, as the worms will hide if they detect it. Once the decoction is ready, give the egg to the child, followed immediately by the medicine. Withhold food and drink for half a day. Resume feeding only after the worms are expelled. The child may appear lethargic after taking the medicine; do not worry. Once the worms are expelled, their spirit will return to normal. At this point, urgently tonify the spleen to prevent regeneration of worms, ensuring no future harm.