Mr. Chen Wensu said: The symptoms of chickenpox (Shuidou) involve fever for two to three days which then subsides, or coughing with a red face, eyes tearing like water, sneezing, coughing up thick sticky phlegm. This differs from smallpox (Dou); it is easy to erupt and heal, causing no harm. Mr. Tang Minwang said: Measles and smallpox are seasonal epidemics where heat accumulates in the Stomach. Since the Stomach governs the muscles, the rash appears all over the body, resembling mosquito bites. Cases with red color have one death in ten; cases with black color have nine deaths in ten. This condition also differs from macules/rashes (Zhen). Macules resemble brocade patterns but leave empty spaces like cloud paths, whereas measles cover the whole body without gaps, differing only in density.

When measles or smallpox first appear, if accompanied by cough, irritability, vomiting clear fluid, red eyes, and sores in the throat, mouth, and tongue, use Huanglian Xingren Tang (Coptis and Apricot Seed Decoction). If eruptions become ulcerated like brocade patterns, or discharge foul-smelling pus, with chest/heart oppression, cough, vomiting clear fluid, and intermittent fever, use Huangqin Zhimu Tang (Scutellaria and Anemarrhena Decoction). In the early stage of fever, when differentiation is uncertain, Shengma Tang (Cimicifuga Decoction) may be taken. Generally, for measles, Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) should be used throughout to release the exterior; however, for smallpox, neither releasing the exterior nor purging the interior is appropriate. For general fever with irritability and thirst, use Shengma Gegen Tang (Cimicifuga and Kudzu Root Decoction). For fever with cough, use Renshen Maidong Tang (Ginseng and Ophiopogon Decoction). For fever with irritability and urinary obstruction, use Da Lianqiao Yin (Large Forsythia Drink). In winter cold with closed pores, use Gegen Jupi Tang (Kudzu Root and Tangerine Peel Decoction).

A child suffered from this disease with fever, thirst, generalized body pain, and dry, difficult urination and defecation. This indicated internal stagnation of heat-toxin. One dose of Gegen Maidong Tang brought immediate relief, followed by Jiedu Tang (Detoxification Decoction) for recovery.

Another child presented with body pain, fever, and irritability, indicating wind-pathogen struggling at the exterior. Xuanshen Shengma Tang (Scrophularia and Cimicifuga Decoction) resolved all symptoms. However, fatigue and convulsions ensued, indicating Spleen deficiency being overwhelmed by Liver Wood. He Gan Bu Pi Tang (Harmonize Liver and Tonify Spleen Decoction) restored stability.

Another child had abdominal pain, irritability, thirst, red face, cough, and phlegm. One dose of Shengma Tang caused the rash to appear all over like brocade. One dose of Huaban Tang (Macule-Transforming Decoction) stabilized the condition, and Renshen Maidong San (Ginseng and Ophiopogon Powder) completed the cure.

In another case, the rash remained hidden within the flesh, accompanied by irritability, thirst, restlessness, epistaxis, hematemesis, or hematochezia. Jiedu Tang and Xijiao Tang (Rhinoceros Horn Decoction), each given for one dose, stopped the bleeding, followed by Dao Chi San (Direct Outward Redness Powder) for recovery.

Another child presented with alternating chills and fever, and dry retching. Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) with Sheng Dihuang (Fresh Rehmannia Root) stopped the chills and fever. Jiedu Tang promoted eruption, and Shengliao Siwu Tang (Raw Four Substances Decoction) ensured full recovery.

A child presented with unresolved symptoms after five days, fever, irritability, and a surging, rapid, and forceful pulse at the right Guan position, indicating excess heat in the Stomach channel. Huaban Tang was administered first, followed by Shen Hua San (Ginseng and Talc Powder) for recovery.

Sandou Yin (Three Beans Drink): Treats seasonal smallpox. Take it as soon as symptoms are felt; severe cases will lessen, mild cases will erupt.
Red beans, Black beans, Green beans (100 grains each), Licorice nodes (5 qian).
Boil in water and consume freely. It will not develop after seven days.

Shen Hua San: Treats chickenpox.
Dugongpi (Cortex Lycii), Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, nodes removed, 1 fen), Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Huashi (Talcum), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, baked, 1 fen), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Tinglizi (Semen Lepidii seu Descurainiae, fried, 1 fen), Gancao (Licorice Radix et Rhizoma, honey-fried, 0.5 fen).
Grind into powder. Take 0.5 qian per dose with 1 xiao zhan (small cup) of water and 7 grains of wheat. Boil briefly. Take 3-5 spoons per dose. Do not overdose.

Note: The above formula is a potent agent for releasing the exterior, dispersing pathogens, and clearing internal heat. It is suitable for generalized body pain, high fever, irritability, thirst with desire for cold drinks, constipation, dysuria, and wheezing/cough. However, chickenpox usually involves exterior pathogens; if accompanied by fever, thirst, and dark/scanty urine, Shengma Gegen Tang is appropriate. If there are no other symptoms, medication is unnecessary.

He Gan Bu Pi Tang: Treats wind-heat skin eruptions due to insufficient Spleen Earth and excessive Liver Wood.
Renshen, Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma) (each 5 fen), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Fuling (Poria), Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) (each 7 fen), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Gancao (Licorice Radix et Rhizoma, honey-fried) (each 3 fen), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus, fried) (4 fen).
Divide into two doses, decoct in water, and take orally.

Baihu Cangzhu Tang
Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum, 4 qian), Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma, 1.5 qian), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, 1 qian), Gancao (Licorice Radix et Rhizoma, 5 fen), Jingmi (Oryza Sativa, a pinch).
Decoct in water and take orally.

Huanglian Xingren Tang: Treats emerging measles/smallpox with cough, irritability, vomiting clear fluid, red eyes, throat/mouth/tongue sores, and diarrhea.
Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 1 liang), Chenpi, Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, nodes removed), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum, peeled and split, bran-fried), Zhiqiao (Aurantii Fructus, fried), Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) (each 5 qian).
Take 2 qian per dose. Add Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) and Gancao if diarrhea is present.

Huangqin Zhimu Tang: Treats ulcerated measles, hidden rashes like brocade patterns, or foul-smelling pus, chest oppression, vomiting clear fluid, and intermittent febrile sensations.
Gegen, Zhimu (washed), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, nodes removed), Chenpi, Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum, peeled and split), Gancao (Licorice Radix et Rhizoma) (equal parts).
Take 2 qian per dose. If no vomiting, remove Chenpi and add Shaoyao. If vomiting occurs, use the original formula.

Shengma Gegen Tang: Treats early-stage skin eruptions with fever and cough, resembling Taiyang syndrome before differentiating measles.
Baishaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Chuan Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Gancao (Licorice Radix et Rhizoma), Gange (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) (equal parts).
Decoct in water. Take 3 qian per dose.

Huaban Tang: Best for treating macules/rashes with thirst and fever.
Renshen, Zhimu (each 1 qian), Gancao (0.5 fen), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum, powdered, 4 qian).
Add a pinch of Jingmi, decoct in water, and take an appropriate amount.

Gegen Jupi Tang: Treats eruption with irritability and vomiting clear fluid; also treats measles and smallpox.
Gegen, Chenpi, Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum, peeled and split), Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, nodes removed), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, fried), Gancao, Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) (each 0.5 liang).
Take 2-3 qian per dose, decoct in water.

Xuanshen Shengma Tang: Treats macules/rashes whether erupted or not, body resembling brocade patterns, severe cases with delirious speech, irritability, throat closure, and swelling/pain.
Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Gancao (Licorice Radix et Rhizoma, honey-fried) (equal parts).
Take 2-3 qian per dose, decoct in water and take orally.

Wumei Wan
Wumei (Mume Fructus, 30 pieces, soaked in wine, flesh mashed), Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, soaked, each 1 liang), Shujiao (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium, 4 liang), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 1 liang), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 4 liang).
Grind into powder. Mix Wumei flesh with rice flour to make pills the size of tung tree seeds. Take several pills per dose, washed down with warm water.

Qianghuo San (i.e., Ren Shen Bai Du San plus Tianma and Dugongpi)
Gegen Maidong Tang (See formula for "Top Collapse and Heart Mania")
Shengma Gegen Tang (See formula for "Smallpox Chills and Tremors")
Jiedu Tang (See formulas for "Macule/Rash Syndrome")
Xiaochaihu Tang (See formulas for "Macule/Rash Syndrome")
Renshen Maidong Tang (Also known as Maidong San, See formula for "Fever and Thirst")
Xijiao Tang (See formula for "Top Collapse and Heart Mania")
Da Lianqiao Yin (See formula for "Complicated Rash and Smallpox")
Siwu Tang (See formula for "Delayed Eruption of Smallpox")
Dao Chi San (See formula for "Gan Erosion Symptoms")