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The plaster of today was anciently called "Bo Tie" (Thin Paste). Whether for reducing toxicity and swelling, or for extracting pus and eliminating putrefaction, searching out toxins, and generating flesh after ulceration, all highly value the Bo Tie. Although additional powdered medicines are applied separately with precise dosages, the plaster itself is synthesized from medicinal materials and must have its own distinctions; one cannot mix warm, cool, cold, and hot properties into a single cauldron. The oils used in market-bought plasters are often impure and may even promote putrefaction, so they certainly cannot be used indiscriminately. However, self-made Bo Ties by surgeons often consist of only one type, based on the idea that treating via powdered medicines alone is sufficient and appropriate, thus paying no further attention to the plaster layer itself. Zhu of Huangqiang prepared several types of Bo Ties to treat cold and heat syndromes respectively, which is truly indispensable. Having studied new learning, I often consider traditional Chinese medicine methods too sticky and greasy; if putrefaction is severe, oil-paper plasters cannot absorb pus and water, which is far from perfect. It is better to use the new method of applying de-fatted cotton gauze for better moisture absorption. I have occasionally adopted this method while separately applying my own prepared powdered medicines. Although this approach is neither purely Chinese nor Western, but both, laypeople might sneer at it. Yet I believe holding to both extremes and using the middle path is quite commendable. This is mentioned here as well; those with discerning eyes should not criticize it as being a "fence-sitter."

For treating Yang-type swellings with redness and swelling, and cases where pus remains after ulceration, apply the respective applicable powdered medicines onto the plaster before use.
*Sheng Di Huang* (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, sliced thin, 1 jin) *Dang Gui* (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 8 liang) *Qiang Huo* (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) *Huang Qin* (Scutellariae Radix) *Chuan Bai* (Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex, each 3 liang) *Xuan Shen* (Scrophulariae Radix) *Ku Shen* (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix) *Gan Cao* (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, each 4 liang) *Bai Zhi* (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) *Chi Shao* (Paeoniae Radix Rubra, each 2 liang) *Jin Wen Da Huang* (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, 6 liang) *Mu Bie Zi* (Strychni Semen, 1 liang)

Cut all the above ingredients into slices. Use 20 jin of pure sesame oil, boil in a large pot. First add *Sheng Di Huang* and *Mu Bie Zi*, simmer for 20 minutes, then add the other herbs. When the herbs become scorched and dry, remove from fire. Filter the dregs cleanly through fine cloth. Transfer to another clean pot, bring to a boil over gentle fire. Then add finely sifted Guang Dan (Lead Oxide) and finely sifted Ding Fen (Litharge/Lead Carbonate, i.e., Qian Fen) each 1 jin. Remove from fire. Pre-grind *Xue Jie* (Dragon's Blood), *Yao Huang* (Realgar), *Qing Fen* (Calomel), and *Yin Zhu* (Cinnabar) each 1.5 liang (best to add She Xiang (Musk) and Bing Pian (Borneol) in any amount) and mix evenly. Prepare a large vat filled with water. While the plaster is hot, pour it into the water. Soak until half-cooled, then divide into several balls in the water, approximately 1 jin per ball. Place into a jar filled with clear water for nourishment/sealing, seal tightly for later use. It does not spoil even after long periods. Spread on oil paper and apply.

[Formula Analysis] This Bo Tie can eliminate Yang-type swelling masses, clear heat and detoxify, and is universally applicable whether ulcerated or not. For small boils and ulcers, simply applying this plaster without additional powders is effective. Only in cases of massive ulceration and putrefaction, where oil-paper plasters cannot absorb pus, is it advisable to use Western-style cotton gauze, cotton, zinc oxide ointment, combined with pus-extracting and putrefaction-eliminating powders. Once new tissue has fully grown and pus is scant, covering with this plaster facilitates wound closure.