My Empirical Formula for Wounds (or Ulcers) That Are Slow to Heal

I often encounter patients whose postoperative incisions heal poorly, whose surface tumor skin ulcerates and heals poorly, or who have gastric bleeding. I treat them with one of my own empirical formulas, with good results. I now introduce this formula to other patients.

The formula is as follows: Sheng Huangqi (raw Astragalus) 30–90 g, Baiji (Bletilla) 10–30 g, Jinyinhua (Honeysuckle flower) 30–90 g.

This is an empirical formula I worked out through my own practice. Its rationale is simple — only three herbs — but each is used at a relatively large dose, so it achieves the TCM effect of a small formula with concentrated, powerful medicinals. My usual adult dose is: Sheng Huangqi 60 g, Baiji 20 g, Jinyinhua 60 g.

TCM holds that raw Huangqi boosts qi and secures the exterior, astringes sores and engenders flesh; in the TCM external-surgery “supporting” (tuo) method, raw Huangqi is indispensable. Using raw Huangqi at high dose speeds the healing of wounds or ulcers, so it is the chief herb here. Raw Huangqi raises immunity; it markedly increases blood leukocytes and hemoglobin, and also raises the number of natural killer (NK) cells. The larger the dose, the faster it promotes wound or ulcer healing. However, some patients feel discomfort on high-dose raw Huangqi, so dosing should follow the principle of starting low and gradually increasing.

Baiji astringes and stops bleeding, disperses swelling and engenders flesh. In fact, the Chinese herb Baiji is a powerful adhesive: it not only rapidly closes wounds but can also serve as a strong industrial glue. Animal experiments show that when a hole is punched through a dog’s stomach and a suspension of Baiji powder is administered by mouth, the hole heals within five minutes. The usual clinical dose of Baiji is 6–10 g; in my experience this dose does not achieve rapid hemostasis and ulcer healing. Only when Baiji reaches 20–30 g is its full effect evident. However, at too high a dose some patients feel cardiac discomfort, so Baiji should likewise start low and be increased gradually.

Whether a wound or an ulcer, once it has ruptured and bled, infection is inevitable. Jinyinhua clears heat and resolves toxin, with broad-spectrum antibacterial action; I therefore include it in this formula so that, while promoting healing, it also prevents or treats wound or ulcer infection. Jinyinhua has few side effects and can be used at high dose.

This approach follows both traditional TCM compatibility principles and modern pharmacological findings on Chinese herbs. I have used it to treat many patients with long-non-healing postoperative wounds or long-non-healing rupture of surface lumps (or bedsores), and in most, clear benefit appears within about a week.

This formula may be decocted twice: each time first bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for about half an hour; combine the two decoctions and drink as a tea. The patient may sip it like tea from time to time, rather than taking it rigidly two or three times a day.

If the patient finds the herbal decoction too bitter to tolerate, after decocting, pour out the liquid, add an appropriate amount of honey, concentrate it, and take it as an electuary (gao). Clear benefit is usually seen within a week of taking this formula. If, after a week, there is still no effect, the formula does not match the pattern; stop taking it and seek medical attention promptly.