Library

According to the *Shenghui Fang*, "Heidan" (Black Erysipelas) is caused by wind-toxin invading the muscles, resulting in black discoloration of the skin. Initially, the affected area may itch and hurt or swell, appearing slightly black.

Formula 1: Eructed Calcined Stone (Fenghua Danshi) 2 liang, thatch grass from the four corners of a house 3 liang, burned to ash and ground into powder, mixed with egg white for topical application.
Formula 2: Leonurus Fructus (Chongweizi), Dracocephalum Herba (Shejiancao), and Huhucao each 2 liang, pounded until soft/mushy, mixed with egg white for topical application.
External method: Rub warm fat from a black sheep onto the lesion three to five times daily. (If a black sheep is unavailable, a white sheep may be used, though it is less effective.)
External method: Apply mud from under a pig trough.
Another method: Heat a pig-feeding spoon and apply it as a hot compress (warm compression) to the lesion.

Zhang Huan's Qudu Dan: Treats erysipelas presenting as black, with itching, pain, and swelling.
Ingredients: Chuan Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Loulu (Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba), Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas) (each 2 liang); Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Zhiziren (Gardeniae Semen) (each 1 liang).
Preparation and Administration: Grind the above ingredients into a coarse powder. For each dose, take two spoonfuls of the powder, add three cups of water, simmer until slightly warm, and apply to the erysipelas using a cloth pad. Continue until the eruption subsides.

The *Shenghui Fang* states that when erysipelas erupts in the flesh of infants, it may appear red like cinnabar; large lesions can be as big as a hand, and severe cases involve whole-body redness and itching, hence termed Tianhuo Dan (Sky Fire Erysipelas).

The *Benshi Fang* records that Tianhuo Dan begins with red spots on the back. Use powder of Morus Alba Cortex (Sangbaipi) mixed with sheep fat for topical application.
Formula: Sesame Oil (Mayou) 5 he, fresh crucian carp half jin, pounded together into a paste, applied to the erysipelas; change when dry.
Formula: Tiger Fat (Huzhi) 2 liang, Lead Monoxide (Huandan) 1 liang, ground into an ointment for topical application.
Formula: Mulberry Root Bark (Sanggen Baipi) 2 liang, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower (Gan Juhua) 1.5 liang, Salvia Miltiorrhiza Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen), and Polystachya Lysistemon Herb (Mangcao) each 1 liang. Cut uniformly. Take 2 liang per dose, boil in 3 sheng of water until reduced to 2 sheng, strain, and use the liquid to bathe the infant warmly, keeping away from wind.
Alternative method: Use one to two he of water from the bottle in which the infant's placenta was buried. Administer orally occasionally and apply topically to toxic areas on the body.

The *Qianjin Fang* treats Tianhuo Dan, which initially starts between the thighs. If the infant is under one hundred days old and has offended the taboo of the "Stove Lord of Travel," causing heat to flow to the glans penis resulting in redness, swelling, and bleeding, use Long Earth (Fulonggan) ground into powder, mixed with egg white for topical application.
Another formula: Crucian Carp Meat (Jiyu Rou) chopped (5 he), Adzuki Bean Powder (Xiaodou Mo) (3 he), pounded into a paste, mixed with water, and applied externally for good effect.
Another method: For various fire-erysipelas where Sky Fire or Dragon Fire adheres to the muscle forming sores, urgently spray with salt water, then apply Yam (Shanyao). (If fresh yam is unavailable, use dried yam ground into powder, mixed with water for topical application.)
Another method: Mix Red Halloysite Powder (Chishizhi Mo) with Sheep Fat for topical application.