The *Jingyao* (Essentials) states that from the first to the third day of onset, more than ten doses should be administered daily. This is to prevent toxic vapors from attacking the Zang-Fu organs. It is named Huxin San (Protect the Heart Powder). Upon careful examination, Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) resolves Dan toxicity (toxicity from mineral pills). It also mentions treating Shi Du (stone toxicity).

Sweet-flavored herbs enter the Yangming channel. With a cold nature and tonifying properties, they serve as the Sovereign herb. Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) is used to remove malignant toxins; it enters the Shaoyin channel. With a warm nature and a propensity for dispersal, it serves as the Assistant herb. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) has a mild nature and can resolve the toxicity of the five metals, eight stones, and hundred drugs; it serves as the Envoy herb. One might speculate that this formula is specifically designed for patients who develop carbuncles due to taking cinnabar and stone minerals. If the carbuncle does not arise from such minerals, it is likely not an indispensable prescription.

Zhu Danxi said: Carbuncles and sores arise from accumulated toxins within the Zang-Fu organs; this accumulation does not happen overnight or in a single day. Treatment should first assist Qi and strengthen the Stomach to solidify the root, then employ herbs that move the channels and invigorate blood. By considering the meridians and seasonal timing, the toxin can be directed outward. Early intervention can lead to internal resolution. This is the original intent of the Internal Support method. (It is also stated that) Neituo San has a cold nature; its use in treating vomiting relies on the principle of descending fire. However, for elderly patients with deep-seated disease, presenting all symptoms, and with deficient constitutions, although Mung Bean has tonifying properties, there is a risk that it may be too heavy for their constitution to bear.

A seventy-year-old woman, with a robust physique and irritable temperament, who enjoyed alcohol, developed a brain carbuncle in winter. She was cured using Mahuang Guizhi Tang (Ephedra and Cinnamon Twig Decoction). This also constitutes an Internal Support method; must one always use cold-natured medicines?

The *Jingyao* states: When pus initially forms, cauterization is appropriate; effective results are achieved when pus drains freely. The Zhuidu Wan (Pursue Toxin Pill) should also be taken.

Zhu Danxi said: Zhuidu Wan consists of herbs that purge accumulation and extract toxins; it absolutely lacks the effect of expelling pus. Now, pus is obtained through cauterization. If the pathogen is interior and the Blood and Qi are substantial, pus will naturally form. If it cannot be supported outwards, why not use herbs that harmonize Qi and invigorate Blood, assisted by tonics containing Ginseng (Panax ginseng), to support the expulsion of pus? That formula uses Chinese Gall (Rheae Rhizoma) as the Sovereign herb to detoxify, kill parasites, and resolve wind. Smilax Glabra Rhizome (Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma), Croton Seed (Crotonis Fructus), and Spurge Root (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix) are all purgative and draining herbs serving as the Minister herbs. Musk (Moschus) is added as an Assistant herb for its ascending and dispersing properties. Using this to treat carbuncles and sores is truly inappropriate. Only if there is confirmed accumulation of toxins in the Zang-Fu organs, or deep-seated entanglement by strange worms without constitutional deficiency, might this be considered a potent medicine. Nevertheless, caution against casual use is advised.

(The text) states that carbuncles and sores are all caused by Qi stagnation and Blood coagulation, or induced by anger. Use Cyperi Rhizoma (Cyperi Rhizoma) with hairs removed, soaked overnight in Ginger Juice (Zingiberis Recens Juice), ground into a dry powder, and taken with plain water, two qian per dose, at any time.

Zhu Danxi said: The original formula states that regular consumption after the sore heals is particularly effective over half a year. This applies only to individuals with robust constitutions and Qi stagnation.

An individual who consumed rich foods and suffered from Qi stagnation, with a robust physique and steady temperament, nearly sixty years old, developed a back carbuncle. Other medications prescribed by physicians were ineffective. Only drinking Cyperi Rhizoma provided significant relief. Ultimately, he was cured using solely this single herb. Such cases occur in only one or two out of a thousand.