Baiji Gao: Zhao Bingnan's Empirical Formula for Burns, Scalds and Ulcers
Zhao Bingnan was a famous contemporary TCM surgeon in China. In his work Zhao Bingnan Linchuang Jingyan Ji (Collected Clinical Experiences of Zhao Bingnan), there is a formula named "Baiji Gao," an external medicine specifically used by Dr. Zhao for treating all kinds of burns and scalds, lower-extremity ulcers, and lianchuang (ecthyma, deep purulent sores).
The composition is very simple: take 50 g Baiji powder (Bletillae Rhizoma, bletilla), 50 g Duan Shigao powder (gypsum Ustum, calcined gypsum), and 400 g Vaseline, and mix them into an ointment. Before use, disinfect and debride the sore surface; then apply an appropriate amount of Baiji Gao to the wound, or simply spread it on the affected area as you would ordinary skin cream.
This Baiji Gao is not sold as a ready-made plaster, so patients need to make it themselves. The method is actually quite simple: take 1 liang each of Baiji and Duan Shigao, grind them in a grinder or high-speed blender into an extremely fine powder, and sift for later use. Then heat the Vaseline in a stainless-steel container until it melts to a liquid, add the Baiji and Duan Shigao powders, and stir thoroughly. As it cools, the Vaseline gradually solidifies, and the Baiji Gao is ready.
Baiji has a very strong mucosal-repairing effect. Modern research has found that it can also be used industrially as a strong adhesive and as a sealing agent during surgery. Baiji can rapidly repair ulcerated wounds on various animal tissues, including skin and the mucosa of internal organs. When a dog's stomach was punctured and perforated, and a Baiji suspension was administered by gastric lavage, the gastric wound closed within five minutes.
Duan Shigao is made by calcining raw gypsum in a smokeless fire or a crucible. Raw gypsum's main component is calcium sulfate dihydrate; after calcination it becomes a mineral composed mainly of calcium sulfate. TCM holds that calcined gypsum dries dampness, stops bleeding, astringes sores and promotes granulation. Calcium sulfate readily absorbs external water molecules to form hydrated calcium sulfate, which is why calcined gypsum dries dampness and astringes sores. Applied externally, it treats ulcers that fail to close, eczema with itching, burns and scalds, and traumatic bleeding.
Zhao Bingnan treated burns, scalds, ulcers, and ecthyma mainly with Baiji and Duan Shigao—a focused, refined selection of herbs with obvious results. The ointment is also simple to make, and overall treatment cost is low. Patients with skin ulcers that fail to heal can give it a try.