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Ginseng Radix (Renshen) and Astragali Radix (Huangqi) are both agents that tonify Qi and assist Yang. They should be used when the pustules are white and depressed. However, if used in cases where the pustules are red-purple and the constitution is robust, it will exacerbate heat and intensify toxicity, causing the red-purple pustules to turn withered and black, thereby worsening the condition.

Atractylodis Rhizoma (Baizhu) can dry dampness and specifically tonifies the Qi aspect, but it can also obstruct Qi flow. Excessive use leads to excessive moistening and stagnation of Qi movement, making it difficult for pustules to mature into pus; its ability to assist Yang and generate fire also hinders the astringency required for healing.

Poria (Fuling), Polyporus (Zhuling), and Alisma Rhizoma (Zexie) promote urination and drain dampness, directing water qi downward. However, prolonged use dissipates body fluids; thus, they should be avoided in patients with Yin deficiency in the lower jiao and insufficient essence and blood.

Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong) has an ascending and dispersing nature. It should not be used in excess by those with Qi deficiency, nor by those with floating fire causing headache and edema.

Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdi) is cold in nature and should be used cautiously by those with deficiency-cold of the stomach and intestines.

Cimicifugae Rhizoma (Shengma) lifts Qi upward. It is contraindicated in cases of deficiency below and excess above, or where Qi stagnation causes irritability.

Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu) clears and disperses while being moistening and promoting free flow. It is unsuitable for those with profuse sweating and should not be used in excess by those with Spleen deficiency diarrhea.

Leonuri Fructus (Zicao) is cold and unblocks orifices. Excessive use may cause diarrhea and is contraindicated for those with Spleen Qi deficiency.

Arctii Fructus (Niubangzi) unblocks skin pores and promotes smoothness. Excessive use may damage Middle Qi internally and lead to exterior deficiency externally.

Mantidis Oötheca (Chantui) opens skin pores. Excessive use may leak Yuan Qi, leading to exterior deficiency.

Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang) opens orifices and greatly disperses the muscle layer. Misuse may lead to exterior deficiency and Qi collapse.

Puerariae Radix (Gegen) is cool and releases the muscle layer. Excessive use may lead to exterior deficiency.

Fructus Aurantii Immaturus (Zhike) directs Qi downward and expands the intestines. Excessive use damages Middle Qi.

Crataegi Fructus (Shanzha) disperses blood and resolves knots. Excessive use injures blood and sinks Qi.

Amomi Fructus Rotundus (Sharen) disperses and moves Qi; it is unsuitable for those with Qi deficiency.

Mume Fructus (Wumei) is sour and astringent; it should not be used when dispersion and movement are indicated.

Manis Squama (Chuanshanjia) has strong penetrating and attacking properties but lacks tonifying effects. If used recklessly for detoxification without guiding it by gentle, orthodox methods, it is akin to chasing a desperate enemy with all one's resources; few will survive the outcome.

Human Teeth (Renya) have a fierce nature and release the exterior too aggressively. Misuse disturbs Middle Qi internally and increases ulceration externally.

Terminalia Chebula Retzii Fructus (Hezi), Os Draconis (Longgu), and Alum (Kufan) can block skin pores. Those seeking patency should avoid them.

Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (Dahuang) has powerful draining and reducing effects. It should not be used lightly by those with deficiency of Qi and Blood.

Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian) is extremely bitter and cold. It is not suitable for thickening the intestines and is strictly contraindicated in diarrhea without Fire.

Gardeniae Fructus (Shanzhi), Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin), Phellodendri Cortex (Huangbai), Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao), Gentianae Radix (Longdancao), Talcum (Huashi), Polygalae Radix (Yuanzhi), Peucedani Radix (Qianhu), and Trichosanthis Radix (Tianhuafen) are all extremely cold substances. They must not be used recklessly unless there is excess Heat-Fire and toxicity.

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi), Zingiberis Rhizoma (Ganjiang), Cinnamomi Cortex (Rougui), and Evodiae Fructus (Wuzhuyu) are all warm and hot in nature. They should not be used lightly in cases of irritability-heat, purple-black pustules, constipation, or severe toxicity.

Trichosanthis Semen (Gualouren) resolves knots, sinks Qi, and lubricates the intestines. It is strictly contraindicated in cases of deficiency-phlegm, deficiency-fire, insufficient Middle Qi, wheezing, distension, fullness, and loose stools.

Sericum Bombycis (Sangchong), also known as silkworm, originated from unknown sources and is used to induce pustules. Some physicians regard it as a rare item and use it competitively. I have examined Materia Medica and various texts on smallpox/rashes, finding no records. Upon examining its nature, it is merely an insect of Yin-cold and damp-toxicity. Because it is toxic, it can induce pustules; because it is cold and damp, it best damages the Spleen. Inducing pustules through toxins rather than regulating Qi and Blood means that although pustules may appear, the Middle Jiao is ruined. What difference is this from pulling shoots to help them grow? Moreover, how can weak children withstand damp-toxin invading the Spleen? I often see that those who take Sangchong excessively suffer cracked lips and skin upon toxin eruption, and incessant diarrhea upon Spleen failure. The previous failures serve as lessons for the future. Yet, how can we deal with the ignorant who remain asleep through the long night? They only see death from pustules, unaware that the ruin lies in insect toxicity. I wish to call for the abolition of this practice and condemn the abominable originator.