人有乳上生痈，先肿后痛，寒热往来，变成疡痈，此症男女皆有，而妇人居多。盖妇生子，抱儿食乳，
偶然困睡，儿以口气吹之，乳内之气塞不通，遂成乳疾。此时若以解散之药治之，可随手而愈。倘因循失治，
而乳痈之症成矣。男子则不然，阳明胃火炽盛，不上腾于口舌，而中
壅于乳房，乃生此症。乳痈不比他处之痈有阴阳之别，故
治法亦无阴阳之判，但别其先后之虚实耳。初起多为邪实，溃烂乃为正虚也。虽然，邪之有余，仍是正之不足，
治宜补中散邪，乃万全之道，正不必分先宜攻而后宜补也。方用和乳汤∶
当归（一两） 蒲公英（一两） 贝母（三钱） 天花粉（三钱） 甘草（二钱） 穿山甲（一片）
水煎服，一剂而乳通肿亦消矣，不必二剂也。此方用贝母、花粉者，消胃中之壅痰也，壅散而乳房之气通矣。
佐以公英、山甲解其热毒，利其关窍，自然不攻而毒散矣。惟恐前药过于迅速，加当归、甘草补正和解，则正无
伤而邪自退，何虑余毒不行而变乳岩哉？
秘诀∶
和乳一两归蒲公，三钱贝母花粉同，
山甲一片二钱草，服下一服乳房通
此症用消化无形汤亦效∶
金银花（一两） 当归（一两） 甘草（三钱） 天花粉（三钱） 通草（一钱） 紫背天葵（五钱）
水煎服，一剂即消。
秘诀∶
又有消化无形汤，银花一两当归行，
甘粉三钱通草一，紫背天葵五钱良。
人有先生乳痈，收口后不慎房事，以致复行溃烂，变成乳岩，现出无数小口，而疮口更加腐烂，似蜂窝之
状，肉向外生，终年累月不愈，服败毒之药而愈甚，人以为毒深结于乳房也，谁知是气血大虚乎？夫乳痈成岩，
肉向外生，而筋束乳头，则伤乳即伤筋也。此症必须急救，否则有筋弛难长之虞矣。夫筋弛而又泄精，泄精则
损伤元气，安得不变出非常乎？当失精之后，即用补精填髓之药，尚不致如此之横，今既因虚而成岩，复见岩
而败毒，不已虚而益虚乎？无怪其愈治而愈坏也。治之法，必须大补其气血以生其精，不必再泻其毒，以其病
无毒可泻耳。方用化岩汤∶
茜草根（二钱） 白芥子（二钱） 人参（一两） 忍冬藤（一两） 黄 （一两） 当归（一两）
白术（土炒，二两） 茯苓（三钱）
水煎服，连服二剂而生肉红润，再服二剂而脓尽痛止，又二剂漏管重长，又二剂痊愈，再二剂永不复发矣。
此方全在补气补血，而不事消痰化毒之治。忍冬虽为消毒之药，其性亦补，况入于补药之中，亦纯乎补矣。
惟是失精变岩，似宜补精，乃不补精而止补气血，何也？盖精不可以速生，补精之功甚缓，不若补其气血，气
血旺则精生矣。且乳房属阳明之经，既生乳痈，未能多气多血，补其气血，则阳明之经既旺，自然生液生精以
灌注于乳房，又何必复补其精，以牵制参 之功乎？此所以不用生精之味耳。
秘诀∶
化岩汤中茜草根，二两白芥一两参，
忍冬 归亦一两，白术二两苓三钱。
方用延仁汤亦效∶
人参（一两） 当归（一两） 白术（一两） 熟地（一两） 麦冬（一两） 山茱萸（五钱） 甘草（一钱）
陈皮（五分）
水煎服，四剂效。
秘诀∶
乳岩宜用延仁汤，参归术地麦两襄，
山萸五钱一钱草，陈皮五分四剂良。
人有左乳忽肿如桃，皮色不变，又不痛，身体发热，形容渐瘦，人以为痰气郁结也，谁知是肝气之不舒乎？
夫乳属阳明，而乳痈宜责之阳明胃经，余独言肝者何也？盖阳明胃土，最怕肝木之克，肝气不舒，则胃气亦不
舒耳。况乳又近于两胁，正肝之部位也。与肝相远，尚退缩而不敢舒，与肝为邻，亦何敢恣肆而吐气哉？气不
舒而肿满之形成，漫肿无头不痛不赤，正显其畏惧也。治之法，不必治阳明之胃，但治肝经之郁，自然毒消肿
解矣。方用加味逍遥散∶
柴胡（二钱） 川芎（一钱） 甘草（一钱） 人参（一钱） 当归（三钱） 白术（三钱） 半夏（三钱）
茯苓（三钱） 陈皮（三钱） 栝蒌仁（三钱） 白芍（五钱）
水煎服，服十剂而内消，去栝蒌再服十剂不再发矣。
逍遥散善解肝气之郁，肝气郁解而胃气自舒矣。况益之栝蒌、半夏、陈皮，专能治胸中之积痰，痰去则肿亦易
消也。
秘诀∶
逍遥加味二钱胡，芎草人参一钱煮，
归术夏苓陈三钱，蒌仁亦三白芍五。
此症用归芍二通汤亦效∶
当归（一两） 白芍（五钱） 柴胡（三钱） 木通（一钱） 通草（一钱） 枳壳（二钱） 穿山甲（一片）
山楂（十个） 桃仁（十粒） 花粉（三钱）
水煎服，二剂效，继续服。
秘诀∶
归芍二通治乳岩，当归一两芍五钱，
柴粉三钱二通一，枳壳山甲楂桃全。
妇人产后，忽两乳细小，下垂过腹，疼痛难忍，人以为悬痈也，谁知是胃经气血之燥乎？盖胃为水谷之海，
而多气多血之腑也。夫产后亡血过多，则胃中空虚，而饮食不能遽进，即进饮食，而各脏腑取给于胃甚急，则
胃气困矣。胃气困而胃血则燥矣。胃血燥无以解各脏腑之纷争，且小儿又索母乳，则内外取资于胃，胃无以应。
乳房者，胃之外廓也；乳头者，胃之门户也。胃苦内之纷争，欲避出于外而不可得，况小儿日夜吮咂，则两乳
细小下垂，以至于
腹，有外遁难藏，入地无门之状，此倒悬切肤之痛，至危之症也。治之法，急救胃气，而益之补血之味，则胃
气润而不燥，胃气和平，自然分给于脏腑，又何至外痛而倒悬哉？方用解悬汤∶
人参（二两） 川芎（二两） 当归（四两） 荆芥（三钱） 炮姜（一钱） 麦冬（一两） 益母草（三钱）
水煎服，四剂而乳头收，再四剂痊愈矣。此方用人参以生胃气于无何有之乡；用当归、川芎以生新血于危
急之地；用荆芥、益母草以解脏腑之纷争，得归于经络；用麦冬、炮姜者，因阳明胃火之燥，未免火动而延烧，
产后不宜寒凉之药，故用麦冬微寒之品，少解其火势之烈也。
秘诀∶
乳垂疼痛解悬汤，参芎二两四归襄，
荆芥三钱益母草，炮姜一钱麦两尝。
此症方用玉浆丹亦效∶
人参（二两） 玄参（二两） 麦冬（二两） 当归（一两） 生地（一两） 麻黄（一钱） 五味子（一钱）
水煎服，二剂效。
秘诀∶
润胃益气是玉浆，人参玄参麦二两，
归地一两麻黄钱，五味同麻二剂康。
There are cases where a carbuncle (boil) develops on the breast, initially presenting with swelling followed by pain, accompanied by alternating aversion to cold and fever, eventually transforming into an ulcerative carbuncle. This condition can occur in both men and women, but is more common in women. This is because after childbirth, women hold infants and breastfeed; occasionally, while drowsy or sleeping, an infant may blow air towards the nipple, causing the Qi within the breast milk ducts to become obstructed and blocked, thereby forming a breast disease. At this stage, if treated with herbs that have dispersing and resolving properties, it can be cured readily. However, if treatment is delayed or neglected, a true Ru Yong (Breast Carbuncle) will form.
In men, the situation is different. It arises from excessive fire in the Yangming Stomach channel, which does not ascend to the mouth and tongue but instead stagnates in the middle jiao and obstructs the breasts, leading to this condition. Unlike carbuncles elsewhere on the body, Ru Yong does not strictly differentiate between Yin and Yang types; therefore, treatment methods do not rigidly adhere to Yin-Yang distinctions. Instead, one must distinguish between deficiency and excess at the initial and later stages. The initial stage is mostly characterized by pathogenic excess, while the stage of ulceration indicates righteous Qi deficiency. Nevertheless, the presence of pathogenic excess is essentially due to a lack of righteous Qi. Treatment should focus on tonifying the Middle Jiao and dispersing pathogens, which is the safest approach. There is no need to rigidly follow a sequence of attacking pathogens first and tonifying later. The formula used is He Ru Tang (Harmonizing Breast Decoction): Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis, 1 liang), Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci, 1 liang), Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae, 3 qian), Tian Hua Fen (Radix Trichosanthis, 3 qian), Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae, 2 qian), Chuan Shan Jia (Squama Manis, 1 slice). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, lactation will resume and swelling will subside; a second dose is unnecessary. Bei Mu and Tian Hua Fen are used to eliminate phlegm stagnation in the Stomach; once the phlegm dissipates, the Qi in the breasts flows freely. Pu Gong Ying and Chuan Shan Jia assist in clearing heat-toxin and unblocking orifices, allowing the toxin to disperse without aggressive purgation. To prevent the previous herbs from being too harsh, Dang Gui and Gan Cao are added to tonify righteous Qi and harmonize the formula. This ensures righteous Qi remains intact while pathogens retreat, alleviating concerns about residual toxins transforming into Ru Yan (Breast Cancer).
Secret Formula:
He Ru Tang contains 1 liang Dang Gui and 1 liang Pu Gong Ying, combined with 3 qian Bei Mu and 3 qian Tian Hua Fen, 1 slice Chuan Shan Jia and 2 qian Gan Cao. One dose unblocks the breast Qi.
The condition can also be effectively treated with Xiao Hua Wu Xing Tang (Transform and Dissolve Formless Toxin Decoction): Jin Yin Hua (Flos Lonicerae Japonicae, 1 liang), Dang Gui (1 liang), Gan Cao (3 qian), Tian Hua Fen (3 qian), Tong Cao (Medulla Tetrapanacis, 1 qian), Zi Bei Tian Kui (Herba Sarcandrae Glabrae, 5 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. One dose leads to resolution.
Secret Formula:
Xiao Hua Wu Xing Tang uses 1 liang Jin Yin Hua and Dang Gui for circulation, 3 qian each of Gan Cao and Tian Hua Fen, 1 qian Tong Cao, and 5 qian Zi Bei Tian Kai for good effect.
Some patients develop Ru Yan (Breast Cancer) after the initial Ru Yong ulcer heals, due to improper sexual activity. This causes recurrence and ulceration, manifesting as numerous small holes, with the wound becoming increasingly rotten, resembling a honeycomb, with flesh protruding outward. It fails to heal over months or years. Taking detoxifying herbs worsens the condition. People assume deep-seated toxin accumulation in the breast, but it is actually severe deficiency of Qi and Blood. When Ru Yong transforms into Ru Yan, with flesh protruding and tendons binding the nipple, damaging the breast damages the tendons. This condition requires urgent rescue; otherwise, there is a risk of tendon laxity preventing regeneration. Tendon laxity combined with essence loss (from sexual activity) damages Yuan Qi, leading to such abnormalities. Even if essence-tonifying herbs were used immediately after essence loss, the condition would not be this severe. Now, since Ru Yan has formed due to deficiency, using detoxifying herbs upon seeing Ru Yan only exacerbates the deficiency. No wonder the condition deteriorates with treatment. The method must be to greatly tonify Qi and Blood to generate Essence, rather than draining toxins, as there is no toxin left to drain. The formula used is Hua Yan Tang (Transform Rock Decoction): Qian Cao Gen (Radix Rubiae Cordifoliae, 2 qian), Bai Jie Zi (Semen Mustardis, 2 qian), Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng, 1 liang), Ren Dong Teng (Caulis Lonicerae Japonicae, 1 liang), Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei, 1 liang), Dang Gui (1 liang), Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, stir-fried with earth, 2 liang), Fu Ling (Poria, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Two doses result in healthy, reddish flesh growth; two more doses stop pain and clear pus; two further doses regenerate fistulous tracts; two more doses achieve cure; and two final doses prevent recurrence. This formula focuses entirely on tonifying Qi and Blood, avoiding phlegm-resolving and detoxifying strategies. Although Ren Dong Teng clears toxins, its nature is also tonifying, especially when combined with other tonics. Why not tonify Essence directly for Ru Yan caused by essence loss? Because Essence cannot be generated quickly; tonifying Essence is slow. Tonifying Qi and Blood is more effective; abundant Qi and Blood naturally generate Essence. Moreover, the breasts belong to the Yangming channel. Since Ru Yong occurred, the channel lacks sufficient Qi and Blood. Tonifying them strengthens the Yangming channel, which naturally generates fluids and Essence to nourish the breasts, negating the need for direct Essence tonification that might hinder the action of Ren Shen and Huang Qi. Thus, no essence-generating herbs are used.
Secret Formula:
Hua Yan Tang contains Qian Cao Gen, 2 liang Bai Jie Zi, 1 liang Ren Shen, 1 liang each of Ren Dong Teng and Dang Gui, 2 liang Bai Zhu, and 3 qian Fu Ling.
Yan Ren Tang (Nourishing Benevolence Decoction) is also effective: Ren Shen (1 liang), Dang Gui (1 liang), Bai Zhu (1 liang), Shu Di Huang (Prepared Radix Rehmanniae, 1 liang), Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis, 1 liang), Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni, 5 qian), Gan Cao (1 qian), Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, 5 fen). Decoct in water and take orally. Effective after four doses.
Secret Formula:
For Ru Yan, Yan Ren Tang is suitable: 1 liang each of Ren Shen, Dang Gui, Bai Zhu, Shu Di, and Mai Dong; 5 qian Shan Yu, 1 qian Gan Cao, 5 fen Chen Pi. Four doses yield good results.
In some cases, the left breast suddenly swells like a peach, with unchanged skin color and no pain, accompanied by fever and gradual emaciation. People attribute this to Phlegm-Qi stagnation, but it is actually due to Liver Qi constraint. The breasts belong to the Yangming channel, and Ru Yong is typically attributed to the Yangming Stomach channel. Why mention the Liver? Because Earth (Stomach) fears Wood (Liver) control. If Liver Qi is constrained, Stomach Qi is also constrained. Furthermore, the breasts are near the hypochondrium, the domain of the Liver. Qi far from the Liver shrinks back in fear; Qi adjacent to the Liver dares not expand freely. This constrained Qi causes swelling without a head, non-painful and non-red, reflecting this "fear." Treatment should not target the Yangming Stomach but rather resolve Liver Qi stagnation, after which toxin resolves and swelling subsides. The formula used is Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Modified Free Wanderer Powder): Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri, 2 qian), Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong, 1 qian), Gan Cao (1 qian), Ren Shen (1 qian), Dang Gui (3 qian), Bai Zhu (3 qian), Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Preparatum, 3 qian), Fu Ling (3 qian), Chen Pi (3 qian), Gua Lou Ren (Semen Benincasae, 3 qian), Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba, 5 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Internal resolution occurs after ten doses; removing Gua Lou and continuing for ten doses prevents recurrence.
Xiao Yao San effectively resolves Liver Qi stagnation; once resolved, Stomach Qi relaxes. Adding Gua Lou, Ban Xia, and Chen Pi specifically treats accumulated Phlegm in the chest; removing Phlegm facilitates swelling resolution.
Secret Formula:
Modified Xiao Yao San uses 2 qian Chai Hu, 1 qian each of Chuan Xiong, Gan Cao, and Ren Shen; 3 qian each of Dang Gui, Bai Zhu, Ban Xia, Fu Ling, and Chen Pi; 3 qian Gua Lou Ren and 5 qian Bai Shao.
Gui Shao Er Tong Tang (Angelica and Peony Double-Unblocking Decoction) is also effective: Dang Gui (1 liang), Bai Shao (5 qian), Chai Hu (3 qian), Mu Tong (Caulis Akebiae, 1 qian), Tong Cao (1 qian), Zhi Ke (Fructus Aurantii, 2 qian), Chuan Shan Jia (1 slice), Shan Zha (Fructus Crataegi, 10 pieces), Tao Ren (Semen Persicae, 10 kernels), Hua Fen (3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Effective after two doses; continue taking.
Secret Formula:
Gui Shao Er Tong Tang treats Ru Yan: 1 liang Dang Gui, 5 qian Bai Shao, 3 qian each of Chai Hu and Hua Fen, 1 qian each of Mu Tong and Tong Cao, plus Zhi Ke, Chuan Shan Jia, Shan Zha, and Tao Ren.
After childbirth, some women experience sudden shrinkage of both breasts, hanging down past the abdomen, with unbearable pain. People mistake this for Xuan Yong (Hanging Carbuncle), but it is actually dryness of Qi and Blood in the Stomach channel. The Stomach is the Sea of Water and Grain, rich in Qi and Blood. Postpartum blood loss leaves the Stomach empty, preventing immediate food intake. Even if food is taken, organs urgently draw resources from the Stomach, exhausting Stomach Qi. Exhausted Stomach Qi leads to dry Stomach Blood. Dry Stomach Blood cannot mediate organ conflicts. Meanwhile, the infant demands milk, increasing demand on the Stomach. The breasts are the outer shell of the Stomach; nipples are its gates. The Stomach, troubled internally, tries to escape outward but cannot. With day-and-night suckling, the breasts shrink and hang low, creating a desperate sensation of having nowhere to hide. This "inverted hanging" pain is critical. Treatment must urgently support Stomach Qi and add blood-nourishing herbs to moisten the Stomach, restore harmony, and allow proper distribution to organs, preventing external pain and drooping. The formula used is Jie Xuan Tang (Release Hanging Decoction): Ren Shen (2 liang), Chuan Xiong (2 liang), Dang Gui (4 liang), Jing Jie (Herba Schizonepetae, 3 qian), Pao Jiang (Prepared Rhizoma Zingiberis, 1 qian), Mai Dong (1 liang), Yi Mu Cao (Herba Leonuri, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Nipples retract after four doses; full recovery after eight doses. Ren Shen generates Stomach Qi from the void; Dang Gui and Chuan Xiong generate new blood in crisis; Jing Jie and Yi Mu Cao resolve organ conflicts and guide Qi to meridians; Mai Dong and Pao Jiang address Yangming Stomach Fire dryness. Since postpartum patients should avoid cold herbs, Mai Dong’s slight coolness moderates the fire without harming the constitution.
Secret Formula:
Jie Xuan Tang for drooping painful breasts: 2 liang each of Ren Shen and Chuan Xiong, 4 liang Dang Gui, 3 qian Jing Jie, 3 qian Yi Mu Cao, 1 qian Pao Jiang, 1 liang Mai Dong.
Yu Jiang Dan (Jade Paste Pill/Decoction) is also effective: Ren Shen (2 liang), Xuan Shen (Radix Scrophulariae, 2 liang), Mai Dong (2 liang), Dang Gui (1 liang), Sheng Di Huang (Raw Radix Rehmanniae, 1 liang), Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae, 1 qian), Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae, 1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Effective after two doses.
Secret Formula:
Yu Jiang Dan moistens the Stomach and benefits Qi: 2 liang each of Ren Shen, Xuan Shen, and Mai Dong; 1 liang each of Dang Gui and Sheng Di; 1 qian Ma Huang and Wu Wei Zi. Two doses bring health.