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On Lung Abscess, On Liver Abscess, On Intestinal Abscess

The Heavenly Master said: The term "internal treatment" refers to treating diseases located within the Zang-Fu organs using internal medication. Patients suffering from lung abscess (Fei Yong), intestinal abscess (Chang Yong), or liver abscess (Gan Yong) must be treated by resolving the condition from within. However, the treatment methods differ for each.

For the lung abscess formula: Use 3 liang of Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen), 3 liang of Ophiopogonis Tuber (Maidong), and 5 qian of Raw Licorice Root (Sheng Gancao); use 10 liang of Honeysuckle Flower (Jinyinhua). First, decoct the Honeysuckle in 10 bowls of water until reduced to 4 bowls of liquid. Take 2 bowls of this liquid to soak the previous herbs (Scrophularia, Ophiopogon, Licorice). Add 2 more bowls of water and continue decocting until 1 bowl remains. Drink this decoction; two doses will result in a cure. The remaining 2 bowls of liquid should be decocted again for a second extraction. (Comment: Ji Fei Bai Du Zhi Sheng Dan [Supreme Holy Pill to Save the Lungs and Eliminate Toxicity], excellent.)

For the liver abscess formula: Use 3 liang of White Peony Root (Baishao), 3 liang of Angelica Sinensis Radix (Danggui), 3 qian of Stir-fried Gardenia Fruit (Chao Zhizi), and 3 qian of Raw Licorice Root (Sheng Gancao); use 10 liang of Honeysuckle Flower (Jinyinhua). Decoct the Honeysuckle in 10 bowls of water to obtain 4 bowls of liquid. Divide this into two portions: use one portion to soak the previous herbs, add 2 bowls of water, and decoct together. For the dregs, add 2 bowls of water, combine with 2 bowls of the Honeysuckle juice, and decoct until 1 bowl remains. Drink this; two doses will result in a cure. (Comment: Ji Gan Bai Du Zhi Sheng Dan [Supreme Holy Pill to Save the Liver and Eliminate Toxicity], excellent.)

For the intestinal abscess formula: Use 8 liang of Honeysuckle Flower (Jinyinhua), decoct in water to obtain 2 bowls of liquid. Use 3 liang of Angelica Sinensis Radix (Danggui), 1 liang of Sanguisorbae Radix (Diyu), and 5 qian of Coix Seed (Yiren). Decoct these in 15 bowls of water until 2 bowls remain. Divide into two doses. Take one dose in the morning and one dose before sleep; two doses will result in a cure. (Comment: Ji Chang Bai Du Zhi Sheng Dan [Supreme Holy Pill to Save the Intestines and Eliminate Toxicity], excellent.) Generally, abscesses arising within the chest and abdomen are caused by fire pathogenic factors and evil qi. If external powders are mixed and applied topically, the distance to the lesion is too great; internal resolution is the correct approach. However, if the abscess is extremely urgent and large, how can a cup of water extinguish the fire of a cartload of firewood? Therefore, large-dose decoctions must be ingested so that the fire pathogen dissipates naturally and the ulcer resolves. If one only treats the skin surface daily with topical applications, or seeks resolution through small-dose oral medications, I see only death ahead.

Master Zhang said: Diseases such as sores and ulcers arise from excessive fire pathogenic factors and have been developing for some time. To eliminate such fire pathogens, can ordinary, minor herbs suffice? Thus, heavy dosages of potent herbs must be used to subdue the condition. However, herbs that disperse pathogens tend to consume True Yin, and their frequent or heavy use often leads to failure. Only Honeysuckle Flower (Jinyinhua) eliminates toxicity without damaging Qi, clears heat/fire while nourishing Yin; therefore, it must serve as the Sovereign herb. This herb possesses pure and upright nature, akin to a gentleman. Just as a gentleman must unite with others to attack a group of petty people to avoid disaster, this herb requires high dosage—up to 10 liang or even 1 jin—to achieve victory in critical moments. Relying solely on this single herb seems weak. One may add Ophiopogon (Maidong) to nourish the lungs, or Baishao and Danggui to moisten the liver, or Diyu to cool the Large Intestine, or Licorice (Gancao) to purge fire, or Zhizi to clear heat, or Yiren to remove dampness; they assist each other to succeed, each having its own profound rationale, rather than being used arbitrarily.

Master Hua said: This is the text passed down by the Heavenly Master, but I have further remarks. In the early stage of lung abscess, this formula can be used; however, once the abscess has formed and suppuration has occurred, external treatment is necessary. One must puncture the lung with a knife to drain pus and blood, then apply Shen Gao (Divine Paste) to the wound to achieve a cure; otherwise, there is a risk to life. I assume the Heavenly Master would later transmit additional formulas, so I do not elaborate here. Since no further transmission occurred, I shall pass this on to my son. Liver abscess cannot be treated with puncture methods; internal resolution and dispersion are required.

Regarding intestinal abscess symptoms, this formula is most effective, but it applies only to early-stage disease. If the condition persists for a long time, toxins must be expelled internally, requiring another unique formula to aid suppuration and drainage. The formula uses 3 qian of Raw Licorice Root (Sheng Gancao), 2 liang of Honeysuckle Flower (Jinyinhua), 1 liang of Sanguisorbae Radix (Diyu), 2 liang of Angelica Sinensis Radix (Danggui), 1 liang of Achyranthes Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi), 3 qian of Frankincense (Ruxiang), and 3 qian of Myrrh (Moyao). First, decoct the Licorice separately to obtain 1 bowl of liquid, mix with 3 qian of powdered Frankincense and Myrrh, and drink. Decoct the dregs and water again to obtain another bowl, mix with another 3 qian of powdered Frankincense and Myrrh, and drink. Generally, take the first decoction in the morning and the second in the evening; two doses will ensure complete recovery. (Comment: Qing Chang Xiao Du Dan [Intestine-Clearing and Detoxifying Pill]). This formula was transmitted by the Heavenly Master to me but not to his son. Perhaps he left it for me to pass to his son? Otherwise, why did everyone reveal everything except this formula, which remains incomplete?

Heavenly Master Qi said: This was reserved for Master Hua to transmit to his son.