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Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) 5 qian, Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus) 5 qian, Qu Mai Sui (Dianthi Herba) 6 qian, Shu Nian Zi (Arctii Fructus, also known as Niu Bang Zi) 2 qian, Sheng Di (Rehmanniae Radix) 3 qian, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 1.5 qian, Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) 5 qian (stir-fried).

The above herbs are cut into pieces the size of hemp seeds. For each dose, take 5 qian, add two large zhan of water, decoct until one zhan remains, remove the dregs, and take it slightly warm after meals.

Chai Hu Lian Qiao Tang is a harmonizing formula. Ma Dao Jia Ying (a type of tuberculous swelling occurring in the axilla or neck), where pathogenic factors travel along the Hand and Foot Shaoyang meridians and knot below the ear, is treated with Chai Hu to dissipate the Shaoyang knot.

[Note: The original text contains lacunae/scribal errors here. Based on context and common practices in pustular disease treatment:] If pustules favor the free flow of Qi and Blood, using cooling and detoxifying methods is the routine approach. Using tonifying and acrid-warm agents is for managing atypical cases. Most formulas selected by me for pustular diseases are tonifying.

Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum) 3 qian to 1 liang, Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma) 1 qian to 3 qian, Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus) 1.5 qian, Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepetae Spica) 4 fen, Qing Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride) 7 fen, Xi Mu Tong (Akebiae Caulis) 4 fen.

This formula is Xie Huang San. If the toxin is severe, add Da Huang.

The above herbs are cut into small pieces, add two zhong of water, decoct until eight parts remain, remove the dregs, and take warm.

Shi Gao is acrid and cold in nature. In the treatment of pustules, it is often used in amounts of one liang or several liang, and sometimes even several jin throughout the course of treatment. However, it must be confirmed that there is Fire-Toxin in the Lung Meridian [text missing, implying intense heat]. Di Ding (Violariae Herba) and Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) cool the blood and attack toxins to promote pus formation. After taking Shi Gao, if the toxin is severe and the patient appears robust, if blood stagnation exists and the complexion becomes ruddy and lively, if Qi is stagnant and spirit revives, this is most appropriate. If it is not Qi-level Fire-Toxin, recklessly using large doses of Shi Gao will inevitably lead to the disaster of Yang collapse and aversion to cold.

Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) 4 liang, Hou Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) 2 liang, Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) 1 liang, Zi Cao (Arnebiae Radix seu Rhizoma) 1 liang.

The above herbs are cut into coarse powder. For each dose, take 5 qian, add half a zhan of water, decoct until two or three parts remain, take warm, stopping when bowel movement is achieved. If unrelieved, add Mang Xiao 1 zi.

Zi Cao Cheng Qi Tang: Da Huang's function is specifically to scour away accumulation, acting like a general who breaches gates and captures strongholds. In the treatment of pustules, it is used presumably for Toxin Stagnation in the Spleen Meridian. Pustules emerge from the Ming Men [text missing, implying purple/black color, urgency, excess syndrome, and severe obstruction].