Substances for Topical Application

Question 1

Bai Fan

Answer 1

sour, astringent, cold
LI, LV, LU, SP
1-3 (decoctions); .6-1.5 (pills/powder)
1. Resolves toxicity, dries dampness, kills parasites, alleviates itching (external wash for dampness or damp heat. Swollen and painful throat or eyes as well as jaundice. Important for dermatology)
2. Restrains and inhibits sores, generates flesh, and transforms putrefaction (variety of external medicine problems when pathogens and toxins have collected and clogged the channels, collaterals, and muscles leading to blockage and stagnation. Usually applied topically as Ku Fan)
3. Stops bleeding and alleviates diarrhea (d.t external trauma. Applied topically)
4, Clears heat and expels phlegm (wind phlegm disorders)

Question 2

Lu Gan Shan

Answer 2

sweet, neutral
LV, ST
external use only
1. Brightens the eyes and removes superficial visual obstruction (also used to reduce excessive tearing. Can be used alone as a powder for red eyes)
2. Dries dampness and generates flesh (long term drainage of pus from open sores. Also for poor healing of wounds. Can be used alone)

Question 3

Liu Huang

Answer 3

sour, hot, toxic
KD, LI, PC
1-3
1. Resolves toxicity, kills parasites, stops itching (important topical substance. Esp for scabies. Also alleviates itching)
2. Tonifies fire at the gate of vitality and strengthens the yang (taken internally to strengthn the yang fire and reduce yin cold)

Question 4

Qian Dan

Answer 4

acrid, cool, toxic
HT, LV, SP
.3-.6 in pills and powders
1. Uproots toxin, generates flesh, stops itching (used topically in pellets and pastes for swollen and toxic ulcers and sores. It both decreases the amount of pus formation when sores are forming and expels pus from open sores to promote healing)
2. Attacks toxins, kills parasites, absorbs dampness and stops itching (Use topically for damp, itching skin rashes)
3. Directs phlegm downward, suppresses spasms and checks malarial d/o (traditionally taken internally for seizures or malarial d.o. No longer recommended)

Question 5

She Chuang Zi

Answer 5

acrid, bitter, warm, sl toxic
KD
3-9 in decoctions
1. Dries dampness, kills parasites, stops itching (used topically as a wash, powder, or ointment for any kind of weeping, itchy skin lesion. Especially in genital area)
2. Disperses cold, dispels wind and dries dampness (vaginal discharge dt cold dampness or lower back pain dt wind cold dampness affecting KD and DM
3. Warms the KD and fortifies the yang (taken internally for impotence or infertility (male or female) dt KD deficiency or cold womb

Question 6

Tu Jing Pi

Answer 6

acrid, warm, toxic
LU, SP
as needed
1. Kills parasites, dispels dampness, stops itching (can be used by self as a tincture or plaster made by combining the ground herb with vinegar)

Question 7

Mu Bei Zi

Answer 7

bitter, sl weet, warm toxic
LI, LV, ST
.9-1.2 in pills and powders
1. Resolves toxicity and reduces swellings (applied topically for such problems as toxic swellings, breast abscesses, non healing sores, and scrofula. Also for hemorrhoids)
2. Reduces swelling and invigorates the blood (applied topically for swelling and pain dt falls, fractures, contusions, and sprains as well as lower back pain)

Question 8

De Feng Zi

Answer 8

acrid, hot, toxic
KD, LV, SP
.3-1 in pills and powders
1. Expels wind, dries dampness, attacks toxins, and kills parasites (leprosy, scabies, tinea. Generally only used topically, except in tx of leprosy)

Question 9

Er Cha

Answer 9

bitter, astringent, sl cold
LU
1-3 in pills and powders. If in deoction, put in seperate bag
1. Drains dampness and absorbs seepage (sores that are filled with purulent fluid, chornic non healing sores and sores of the oral cavity. Also used for syphilitic sores
2. Stops bleeding (applied topically to stop bleeding dt external trauma. Also used internally for irregular bleeding)
3. Clears LU, transforms phlegm, generates fluids, stops diarrhea (also taken internally for cough dt Lung heat. Rare)

Question 10

Zhang Nao

Answer 10

acrid, hot, toxic
HT, SP
.1-.2
1. Expels wind and dampness, kills parasites (applied topically)
2. Opens orifices and expels turbidity (opens orifices of the HT. Taken internally, used for delirium and sudden loss of conciousness dt hot disorders)
3. Invigorates the blood and alleviates pain (applied topically to injuries associated with trauma and blood stasis. Also, tooth ache)

Question 11

Ban Mao

Answer 11

acrid, cold, toxic
LI, LV, ST
.03-.06
1. Attacks toxins and wears away sores (greatly irritates the skin, causing it to redden then blister. Also used for dog bite)
2. Breaks up blood stasis and disperses clumps (palpable fixed masses and focal distention)

Question 12

Chan Su

Answer 12

Sweet, acrid, warm, toxic
HT, ST
.01-.03 in pills and powders
1. Resolves toxicity, reduces swelling, alleviates pain (taken internally or applied topically for swellings of sores, ulcers, and carbuncles including those affecting the throat. Topically for tooth ache
2. Expels summer heat and dampness, opens orifices, and awakens the conciousness (extremely turbid summer heat)
3. Attacks toxins, reduces swellings, resists cancer, stops pain (various types of cancer)

Question 13

Feng Fang

Answer 13

sweet, neutral, toxic
LU, ST
3-6 in decoction for gargles (rinse the mouth, never swallow)
1. REsolves toxicity, expels wind, alleviates pain (used topically as ointment or wash. Also used as a warm gargle for severe toothaches that are classically described as :feeling as if a worm is burrowing in the tooth”)
2. Expels wind, dries damp, stops pain and itching (mobilizing, piercing nature makes it a useful tx for wind damp bi or wind rash)
3. Recently used in tx of a variety of tumors