Library

A person may develop phlegm nodules in the neck and throat area, hard as stone. Over time, these transform into Scrofula (tuberculosis of cervical lymph nodes), discharging pus and blood. As one nodule fails to resolve, another grows; soon after, it ulcerates. The lesions may appear below the ear, in the supraclavicular fossa (Quepen), or above and below the shoulder, exhibiting a migratory pattern resembling a rat burrowing, hence named "Rat Sore" (Shu Chuang) or "String Sore" (Chuan Chuang), indicating its ability to spread like a rat piercing through holes. People often attribute this condition to eating food remnants stolen by rats, but this is not entirely accurate. In fact, Scrofula mostly originates from Phlegm-Dampness, and the formation of phlegm nodles mostly stems from Qi Stagnation. There is no generation of Phlegm without Stagnation, nor is there Scrofula without Phlegm. Therefore, the treatment for Scrofula must primarily focus on resolving Stagnation. However, prolonged Stagnation inevitably consumes Qi and Blood. Moreover, with the discharge of pus and blood, Qi and Blood are further depleted. Merely eliminating Phlegm without resolving Stagnation, or only resolving Stagnation without transforming Phlegm, will only further weaken the healthy Qi, failing to achieve efficacy. The prescription used is Xiao Chuan Dan:

Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba, 1 liang), Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, 1 liang), Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri, 2 qian), Tian Hua Fen (Radix Trichosanthis, 3 qian), Fu Ling (Poria, 5 qian), Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, 1 qian), Fu Zi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata, 1 slice), Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae, 1 qian), Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci, 3 qian), Zi Bei Tian Kui (Tuber Anemarrhenae Asphodeloides et Rhizoma Verbenae, 5 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After taking eight doses consecutively, the phlegm nodules gradually subside; after ten more doses, the Scrofula completely resolves; after one month of continued intake, full recovery is achieved. For post-recovery care, Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) can be taken to prevent recurrence.

The brilliance of this formula lies in Pu Gong Ying and Zi Bei Tian Kui being divine herbs for eliminating String Sores. However, without Bai Shao and Chai Hu to soothe the Liver Wood (regulate Liver function to prevent excessive Liver Qi), the Liver Qi would not harmonize. Without Bai Zhu and Fu Ling to strengthen the Spleen Earth, the Spleen and Stomach functions would not be robust, making it impossible to withstand the potent action of attacking Phlegm and breaking masses. Only by combining attack (dispersing pathogens) with tonification can balance be maintained. With the assistance of Fu Zi guiding the other herbs directly to the core of the disease, chronic ailments can be cured in a short time.

Some individuals suffer from long-standing Scrofula, with extensive ulceration between both necks and numerous phlegm masses above the chest and diaphragm. Some lesions have broken heads and are nearing putrefaction. This leads to fever and chills, emaciation, poor appetite, night sweats (Dao Han), spontaneous sweating (Zi Han), palpitations, and mental restlessness. These symptoms are originally difficult to treat, yet they can still be saved if treated correctly. Generally, for early-stage Scrofula, resolving Stagnation should be prioritized, assisted by tonifying deficiency to eliminate toxicity. If one adheres to conventional methods focusing solely on expelling Phlegm and defeating toxicity, death often follows rapidly. The prescription used is Zhuan Bai Dan:

Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng, 1 liang), Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri, 2 qian), Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba, 3 qian), Yin Hua Jin (Flos Lonicerae Japonicae, 3 liang), Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis, 2 liang), Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Preparata, 5 qian), Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, 1 liang), Sheng Gan Cao (Raw Radix Glycyrrhizae, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After four doses, the phlegm masses in the chest disappear; after four more doses, the neck ulcers heal. Reduce the dosage of the previous formula by half and take for ten more doses until the wound surfaces are flat and no longer recur.

This formula emphasizes tonification over dispersion, embedding the resolution of Stagnation within the dispersive action and retaining supportive measures within the Phlegm-transforming strategy. Few people in the world know this method; they merely attack toxicity indiscriminately, causing the condition to worsen with each attack. Why not try this formula? Fate is unpredictable, and miraculous powers are hard to believe. When people see such treatments, they are often terrified and retreat. Otherwise, they might mock and ridicule, criticizing the formula as too bizarre and claiming it is boastful and unteachable. Little do they know that this is actually an immortal herb for curing diseases and a miraculous medicine for saving lives. I cannot help but sigh three times while closing the book.