Library

Whenever there is a carbuncle or ulcer with severe toxicity, presenting as diffuse swelling without clear boundaries and a scattered root, the pathogenic factor fails to consolidate. This is the most ominous prognosis. It is difficult to resolve or erupt; if delayed for a long time, it will inevitably lead to numerous complications. Therefore, the method of consolidating the root of the sore is absolutely indispensable. Furthermore, when sores occur in areas between joints where movement takes place, leading to pus formation and tissue necrosis that may hinder joint function, one should apply external powders for "transferring toxicity" (Yi Du). This moves the toxicity to one side, clearing the vital area, so that even if pus forms, damage to motor function can be avoided. Although ancient formulas of this type are not rare, few have proven effective. The formula used by the Zhu school is more rapid in effect than the fixed prescriptions in ancient texts and is an essential item for consolidating the sore's root. There is another preparation with the same name in surgical texts, made by crushing and applying Hibiscus tiliaceus leaf (Furong Ye) and Xanthium strumarium herb (Cang Er Cao), which is only used for treating mild cases of hot boils and cannot compare with this formula.

Daxiaobeizi (Galla Chinensis, three taels: remove worm-eaten fragments, lightly stir-fry until clumped, cool, and grind into fine powder) Duchansu (Toad Venom, five qian: dry and grind into fine powder) Tenghuang (Parthenium hysterophorus Rhizome, three taels: first prepare with Baiji, Shancigu, and Zhinanning as follows)
Baiji (Bletilla striata Rhizome, three taels) Shancigu (Fritillaria cirrhosa Bulb, three taels) Zhinanning (Arisaema cum Bile, one tael)

First, take the latter five herbs and boil them in two large bowls of aged rice vinegar over gentle heat until concentrated. Strain out the dregs. Then add the Tenghuang previously boiled in vinegar and continue simmering until it becomes a thick paste. When extremely concentrated, mix in the fine powders of Daxiaobeizi, Duchansu, and Erfan (Alumen and Melanterite). Stir evenly, remove from fire, and add Sanqie (Moschus, three qian ground into fine powder). Pounded into uniformity, form into pills/cakes, and store after drying in the shade. When using, grind with vinegar to a thick consistency and apply around the four sides of the sore's root. If it dries, moisten with vinegar. Wash off once a day before reapplying; this is extremely effective. To transfer the toxicity to one side, apply according to the above method only on one side. The applied area will naturally reduce swelling, while the toxicity gathers on the untreated side. This ensures the joint is not damaged, representing the method of avoiding severity and choosing lightness (Bi Zhong Jiu Qing).

This is Shengdan (Calomelas/Red Sublimate), which can be used generally for all ulcers and is most effective for extracting toxicity and promoting pus discharge. For ordinary conditions, this is sufficient. However, for wet sores with water but no pus, stubborn malignant conditions with non-detaching necrotic tissue, crater-like ulcers, black tough necrosis, or chronic discharging ulcers, other specific medicated powders are required, as this formula alone cannot cure them. Do not use near the mouth or eyes. Do not use on nipples, umbilicus, genitalia, or chancres.

Shuiyin (Mercurius, one tael) Huoxiao (Natrii Nitras, one tael) Kufan (Alumen, one tael)

First, grind Huoxiao and Kufan finely and spread them flat at the bottom of a small iron pot. Create a concave depression in the center, place Shuiyin inside, and cover with a round-bottomed porcelain bowl. Listen for slight sounds within the bowl, indicating that Huoxiao and Kufan are dissolving. Ensure no yellow-purple gas escapes from the rim of the bowl, confirming the furnace is sealed (if smoke appears at the rim, mercury has leaked). Ideally, wait overnight before opening. Upon inspection, the bowl should contain a sticky bright red substance, while the pot bottom retains only white residue, which indicates optimal firing. The top layer in the bowl is light and powdery; sweep it down with a chicken feather and store separately. This layer has weak potency and is suitable only for mild cases. After removing the floating powder, scrape the layer adhering to the bowl walls. This thicker,成片 (piece-form) substance has stronger potency and can treat severe toxic conditions. Grind it finely in an oil mortar until extremely fine before use. The ideal color is bright red like cinnabar or vivid like sunset clouds, indicating perfect firing. If under-fired, the color is yellow or pale yellow (known in markets as Huangsheng); its potency is weakest and it must not be used. Moreover, incomplete firing means mercury properties are not transformed; visible air bubbles indicate residual metallic mercury. Applying this to ulcerated areas causes great harm. If over-fired, the color becomes scorched purple or sauce-like, which is also unusable. Occasionally, the bowl shows concentric rings of different colors (bright red, deep yellow, cyan-purple), reflecting the mysterious effects of the furnace fire described by ancients. These are rare but equally effective. If encountered, separate and store each color for study. Generally, bright red and vivid colors are best; dull or stagnant colors indicate spoiled medicine. If smoke rises during heating, mercury has escaped, potentially leaving nothing in the bowl; caution is essential. Select charcoal that rings like copper when struck; inferior charcoal is unusable. Poor firing results in insufficient potency. Commercially prepared products often cause pain upon application, whereas homemade ones do not, suggesting a reason. Folk belief claims aged preparations are painless while new ones hurt, but this is not entirely true. I have tested newly prepared Dan without causing pain, provided it is ground extremely fine. Use fresh cotton to gently dab a thin layer of the powder onto the wound; a thin dark yellow coating is sufficient. Overuse causes severe pain. Laypeople may accuse you of being stingy with the powder, unaware that its potency is strong and excessive amounts are contraindicated. The white residue remaining in the furnace after firing can also be ground fine and added to remedies for pruritic scabies. However, since Kufan (Alumen) absorbs dampness and relieves itching, heavy use causes pain; therefore, use it sparingly.