Reprinted: Fifty-Three Secret Formulas Compiled by a Veteran TCM Physician in 30 Years of Practice

I. Peeling Hands

Many friends know the bleeding and pain caused by peeling palms are distressing; sometimes even holding a fountain pen hurts. It affects not only appearance but also work, especially when trees bud in spring and shed leaves in autumn — peeling twice a year, each episode lasting over a month. Hand peeling is very painful. Dr. Sun of Linyi has a Chinese-medicine secret formula specifically for hand peeling: use 200 g each of clove (Gongdingxiang), safflower (Honghua), Solomon's seal (Huangjing), phellodendron (Huangbai), Sichuan pepper (Huajiao), patchouli leaf (Huoxiangye), rhubarb (Dahuang), alum (Baifan), Cibotium rhizome (Gouji), Xanthium (Cangerzi), Desmodium (Jinqiancao), Angelica dahurica (Baizhi), galla (Wubeizi), Sophora flavescens (Kushen), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), alum (Baifan), and borneol (Bingpian), plus 500 g of licorice (Gancao), and 100 bottles of vitamin C (100 tablets per bottle). Crush the above herbs, add 12 kg of 75% medicinal alcohol, macerate for half a month, let settle, and filter out the residue. I usually bottle it in 50-ml vials for later use. When using, drip a few drops and rub into the hands. At first rub several times a day; after three days reduce to 3–5 times a day; cured within a week. Reminder: during treatment avoid washing hands with soap or alkaline handwash.

II. Asthma Root-Cutting Formula

Winter is the peak season for various asthmas and consumptive disease. Doctors everywhere have used this formula of mine to treat the condition with good results; many doctors have phoned to thank me, saying the formula is wonderfully useful. I now publish it again in the hope that everyone will value it. I have used this formula for over 30 years; it is broad and effective, and never fails me. It is surely a blessing for the vast number of asthma and consumptive patients. Asthma Root-Cutting Formula: 15 g each of perilla leaf (Ziye), schizandra (Wuweizi), ephedra (Mahuang), Fritillaria ussuriensis (Pingbei), areca (Binglang), smoked plum meat (Wumeirou), and peucedanum (Qianhu); 20 g each of processed Pinellia (Fabanxia), pine pollen (Songhuafen), tangerine red (Juhong), bitter apricot kernel (Kuxingren), anemarrhena (Zhimu),海石 (Haishi), poppy husk (Mikang), raw gypsum (Shengaoshi), chebule fruit (Hezirou), long-stamen onion (Xiebai), and bamboo shavings (Zhuru); 30 g each of black soybean (Heidou), goji (Gouqi), immature bitter orange (Zhiqiao), Ophiopogon (Maidong), and Trichosanthes (Gualou); 50 g of ginkgo nut (Baiguoren). Crush all the above herbs into fine powder. Half an hour before breakfast and lunch each time, take 10 g of the powder stirred up in warm water.

This formula treats various adult asthmas, wheezing with inability to lie down, chronic cough in the elderly, blood-streaked sputum, lung consumption (feilao), and lung atrophy (feilou). Avoid spicy food, tobacco, and alcohol. It works every time it is used; it is truly a rare secret formula. Many colleagues use my formula with excellent results, bringing benefit to friends and recovery to many patients.

III. Constipation

This formula is very useful, though it makes no money; serving the people is only right: chop a small amount of ginger, place it on the navel, drip 2 drops of white liquor, then cover with Shangshi Zhitong plaster (pain-relief plaster). Usually remove after 12 hours, once a day. Reminder: stop when comfortable; reapply when uncomfortable. It costs little, and compared with injections, oral drugs, or anal administration, it saves time and avoids suffering.

IV. Chyluria

Secret formula for chyluria: powder equal parts of Agrimonia (Xianhecao), Bletilla (Baiji), Belamcanda (Shegan), Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuanxiong), Pyrrosia (Shiwei), red peony (Chishao), and rehmannia raw (Shengdi). Take 10–15 g three times a day in warm water; cured in under a month. Avoid: spicy food, alcohol, fishy foods. 5. Secret formula for oral ulcers using two huangs: 1 part astragalus (Huangqi), 2 parts phellodendron (Huangbai), powdered and bottled for later use. When using, sprinkle the powder on the sore; it heals every mouth ulcer. It has been handed down in my family. Over 30 years of experience, treating oral ulcers this way is truly miraculous. Leave the powder on the sore for 15 minutes each time, 5 times a day, until cured (about 5 days). Want your oral-ulcer patients to be completely cured? Then add vitamin B2 while using this formula; remember, VB2 absolutely prevents oral ulcers from recurring.

V. Bedwetting in Children

I have used this formula for nearly 30 years; it is specifically for childhood enuresis. 1. Herbal formula: equal parts of raspberry (Fupenzi), cherry spina (Jinyingzi), dodder (Tusuzi), schizandra (Wuweizi), curculigo (Xianmao), cornus (Shanzhuyu), Angelica dahurica (Baizhi), honeycomb (Fengfang), psoralea (Buguzhi), mantis egg-case (Sangpiaoxiao), clove (Dingxiang), and cinnamon (Rougui). Grind all into powder and bottle; each patient receives 600 g. 2. Vitamin addition: for children over 5, take one tablet each of VB1, VB6, VB12, VC, and oryzanol (Weishengsu) twice a day, morning and evening. Reminders on use: (1) Before the child sleeps at night, fill the child's navel with powder, drip a few drops of water, and cover with Shangshi Zhitong plaster. Apply at bedtime; remove around 6 p.m. the next day, then apply a fresh one at bedtime. Continue for 1–2 weeks (as appropriate). (2) Oral: once morning and once evening; for ages 3–5 give 5 g of powder each time; for ages over 5 give 10 g. Avoid spicy food. (3) The vitamins must be added: for children over 5, one tablet each of VB1, VB6, VB12, VC, and oryzanol twice a day, morning and evening. (4) One more important point to explain to parents: how long the child takes the medicine depends on progress. Once bedwetting clearly decreases, parents should gradually reduce the frequency of medication as appropriate, until cured. Do not scold or beat the child for enuresis, so as not to increase tension and psychological burden, cause fear of bedwetting or even of sleep, and further damage kidney qi. During treatment parents should actively encourage the child, telling the child the medicine will make things better; meanwhile, limit the child's water in the evening, avoid over-exciting play before bed, and take the opportunity to train the child to get up at night to urinate.

VI. Mumps

Secret-formula combination for mumps: powder equal parts of bupleurum (Chaihu), forsythia (Lianqiao), cimicifuga (Shengma), coptis (Huanglian), and gardenia (Zhizi), bottled for later use. When using, take one thin-shelled green-salted duck egg, crush the shell, add the same dose of powder, mix with water into a paste, spread on cloth, and apply to the mumps swelling below the earlobe; secure with tape. Cured in 3 days.

VII. Hyperthyroidism

This is a family hyperthyroidism secret formula: 600 g each of prunella (Xiakucao), galla (Wubeizi), and Fritillaria (Dabei); 1000 g each of Glehnia (Shashen), seaweed (Haizao), Tian Dong, Ophiopogon (Maidong), tangerine seed (Juhe), rehmannia raw (Shengdi), Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen), kelp (Kunbu), gecko (Shougong), zedoary (Ezhu), Scutellaria barbata (Banzhilian), Polygonum orientale seed (Shuihonghuazi), and dried toad (Ganchu). Crush the above herbs; 150 g per dose, one dose a day. In summer and autumn, if available, add 10 g of unripe green persimmon per dose; if unavailable, omit. This is one patient's dosage for 90 days. On day 70 of taking the medicine, stop for ten days and go to the hospital for a routine hyperthyroidism check. The patient must long-term avoid raw and cooked radish and Chinese cabbage. In my experience, this secret formula yields a very high cure rate for hyperthyroidism and various thyroid conditions; it is truly an outstanding effective formula.

VIII. Athlete's Foot

Herbal formula for athlete's foot: 20 g burnet (Diyu), 20 g coptis (Huanglian), 20 g saposhnikovia (Fangfeng), 20 g Dictamnus bark (Baixianpi), 20 g Sophora flavescens (Kushen), 30 g safflower (Honghua), 50 g Chinese honeylocust (Zaojiao). Crush or break the above herbs, steep in 2.5 kg of aged vinegar. After two days of soaking, begin footbaths in the vinegar liquid (do not strain out the dregs). The patient soaks the feet twice a day, half an hour each time, reusing the vinegar; seal after use to prevent evaporation for later. Western-medicine formula for athlete's foot from Linyi Runzetang: crush 50 tablets each of vitamin C, metronidazole, nystatin, dexamethasone, vitamin B-complex, APC, diphenhydramine, and chlorpheniramine; mix with 15 tubes of fluocinolone (Fusong) into an ointment for later use. When using, apply and rub the ointment on the affected area.

During treatment keep the affected area clean and dry; do not wear rubber shoes, wear cloth shoes. Previously used socks or shoes may be disinfected with 84 disinfectant.

IX. Trigeminal Neuralgia

Formula for trigeminal neuralgia: 10 g each of red peony (Chishao), uncaria (Gouteng), Xanthium (Cangerzi), ephedra (Mahuang), schizonepeta ear (Jiesui), and licorice (Gancao); 15 g each of scutellaria (Huangqin) and apricot kernel (Xingren); 30 g each of kudzu root (Gegen) and raw gypsum (Shengaoshi). One dose a day, taken before breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dispense 10 doses. Avoid: spicy food and alcohol.

X. Toothache

Secret formula for toothache: 10 g asarum (Xixin), 100 g white peony (Baishao); boil in water and fill a thermos flask. Rinse the mouth frequently and sip throughout the day without stopping; cured the same day. Severe cases drink for two days.

XI. Acute and Chronic Pharyngitis

Secret formula for acute and chronic pharyngitis: 9 g each of cimicifuga (Shengma), Imperata root (Baimaogen), platycodon (Jiegeng), Ophiopogon (Maidong), licorice (Gancao), honeysuckle (Erhua), tangerine peel (Chenpi), mint (Bohe), and cassia twig (Guizhi); 15 g each of scrophularia (Xuanshen), bamboo shavings (Zhuru), and Pinellia (Banxia). This formula mainly treats acute and chronic pharyngitis. One dose a day, decocted to three bowls, taken half an hour before breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Take 10 consecutive doses. During medication avoid: spicy food, tobacco, alcohol, and raw radish.

Reminder: in my experience, taking Compound Licorice Tablets, Compound Salvia Tablets, and VC Yinqiao Tablets at the labeled dose is the best combination for treating various pharyngitides.

XII. Tinnitus and Deafness

Secret formula that works every time for deafness and tinnitus: 12 g each of jujube (Dazao), rhubarb (Dahuang), immature bitter orange (Zhishi), Pinellia (Banxia), peony (Shaoyao), and scutellaria (Huangqin); 20 g each of acorus (Changpu), magnetite (Cishi), bupleurum (Chaihu), and fresh ginger (Shengjiang). One dose a day, divided into three doses before meals; avoid spicy food, tobacco, and alcohol. Dispense for half a month.

XIII. Otitis Media

(1) Powder 100 g each of alum (Baifan), scutellaria (Huangqin), and coptis (Huanglian) into fine powder; add 1 kg of pig bile, place in an earthenware pot, and simmer over low heat. When dry, let cool and form into fine powder; bottle for later use. When using, blow a suitable amount into the ear. Before blowing, clean the ear canal with hydrogen peroxide. Once a day; cured in 3–5 days.

(2) In 1999 a professor gave a formula with excellent results: ofloxacin eye drops plus one ampoule of dexamethasone (Dimi), plus one ampoule of chymotrypsin, dropped into the ear.

XIV. Psoriasis

I am sending out a formula I have used for nearly 30 years for psoriasis and other skin diseases, for your reference, hoping to soon relieve the suffering of friends with these conditions. External formula for psoriasis: 50 g each of chaulmoogra (Dafengzi), realgar (Xionghuang), Sichuan pepper (Chuanjiao), fresh croton (Shengbadou), Dictamnus bark (Baixianpi), sulfur (Liuhuang), Kadsura bark (Zijingpi), dried alum (Kufan), camphor (Zhangnao), cnidium (Shechuangzi), moutan bark (Danpi), Sophora flavescens (Kushen), veratrum (Lilu), blister beetle (Banmao), calomel (Qingfen), and borneol (Bingpian); 250 g each of stemona (Baibu) and honeylocust thorn (Zaoci). Coarsely powder, add 2.5 kg of 60% white liquor, and macerate for 15 days for external rubbing. Apply to the lesions 3–5 times a day with a cotton swab according to the patient's condition and tolerance (up to the limit of not blistering). Those with generalized lesions may treat in batches by area. Oral formula: 6 g each of eupatorium (Peilan), angelica pubescens (Duhuo), and Trichosanthes (Gualou); 10 g each of dandelion (Pugongying), acorus (Changpu), and atractylodes (Cangzhu); 15 g each of licorice (Gancao), phellodendron (Huangbai), plantain (Cheqiancao), and Sophora flavescens (Kushen); 30 g each of Glabra/Loqut root (Tufuling), talc (Huashi), Polygonum orientale seed (Shuihonghuazi), coix (Yiren), Artemisia yinchen (Yinchen), Dictamnus bark (Baixianpi), Dioscorea hypoglauca (Bixie), honeylocust thorn (Zaoci), and honeysuckle (Jinyinhua); 50 g each of alisma (Zexie) and ganoderma (Lingzhi) per dose. For the first half month, one dose a day; thereafter one dose every two days. Soak the herbs in water for one hour, then simmer gently for two hours; decoct three times and take three times, half an hour before meals. Reminder: the most important thing in treating psoriasis and skin diseases is dietary avoidance: donkey meat, goose, tobacco, alcohol, salted fish, hairy eggs; avoid spicy food and raw radish. This formula has never failed me; it is wonderful. Use it and you will see. I have verified this formula has a special effect on psoriasis and many skin diseases. Wishing everyone happiness! For ease of taking.

XV. Prostate

Formula for prostate disease used for 30 years: 10 g each of akebia (Mutong) and licorice (Gancao); 15 g each of honeylocust thorn (Zaoci), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), earthworm (Dilong), achyranthes (Niuxi), Polygonum cuspidatum (Huzhang), phellodendron (Huangbai), and melia (Chuanlianzi); 20 g each of radish seed (Laifuzi) and astragalus (Huangqi); 30 g each of Imperata root (Baimaogen) and plantain (Cheqiancao). One dose a day, decocted three times and taken three times, after meals. Dispense for 10–15 days according to the patient's condition. The results speak for themselves; excellent — you will know once you use it.

XVI. Body Odor

Secret formula for body odor: (1) External formula: crush 50 g each of alum (Baifan), clove (Gongdingxiang), Sichuan pepper peel (Huajiaopi), Angelica dahurica (Baizhi), and chalcanthite (Danfan). Squeeze 0.5 kg of ginger juice from 1 kg of ginger, add 0.5 kg of anhydrous ethanol, and macerate for a week; then add 10 g borneol (Bingpian). Rub into the armpits 3 times a day; cured in 4 weeks. This external formula may be used alone or together with the oral formula below. (2) Oral formula: 10 g each of jujube (Dazao), fresh ginger (Shengjiang), and Stephania tetrandra (Fangji); 15 g each of licorice (Gancao) and atractylodes (Baizhu); 20 g astragalus (Huangqi). One dose a day, decocted in water, divided into morning and evening doses. Avoid spicy food; 30 doses over a month can root-cure.

XVII. Insomnia

Secret formula for insomnia: 15 g each of cicada slough (Chantui), albizia bark (Hehuanpi), Pinellia (Banxia), spiny jujube seed (Zaoren), polygala (Yuanzhi), salvia (Danshen), astragalus (Huangqi), and Poria (Fuling); 30 g each of raw oyster shell (Shengmuli) and prunella (Xiakucao). One dose a day, taken half an hour before breakfast and lunch, and half an hour before bedtime. Dispense for half a month.

Avoid spicy food, tobacco, alcohol, stimulants, and excitement.

XVIII. Shingles

Cure shingles (snake-bile sore, snake-coil waist) in 3 days: powder 50 g cow-belly seed (Wangbuliuxing), mix with tea water into a thin paste, apply to the lesions 2–3 times a day; cured in 3 days.

Nowadays mixing Yunnan Baiyao with poly I:C (Jujibao) or lidocaine injection also works every time. Simultaneously take acyclovir orally and vitamin B1 to prevent the sequela of neuralgic pain.

XIX. Lipoma

Formula combination for lipoma: 15 g each of malt (Maiya), cassia twig (Guizhi), white peony (Baishao), gecko (Shougong), seaweed (Haizao), Glabra/Loqut root (Tufuling), zedoary (Ezhu), tangerine seed (Juhe), kelp (Kunbu), and medicated leaven (Shenqu); 30 g each of hawthorn (Shanzha), prunella (Xiakucao), and polygonum (Shouwu). One dose a day, divided into 3 doses; dispense 3 weeks. Avoid: spicy food, alcohol, hairy eggs, goose, donkey meat, and raw radish.

XX. Chloasma

Make chloasma vanish: (1) Herbal secret formula: 9 g each of licorice (Gancao) and mint (Bohe); 20 g each of Angelica sinensis (Danggui), bupleurum (Chaihu), atractylodes (Baizhu), Poria (Fuling), white peony (Baishao), and fresh ginger (Shengjiang). One dose a day, taken half an hour before meals three times (morning, noon, evening); dispense for 1 month. (2) Reminder: additionally take according to the following package directions: vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C; taking vitamin E gives even better results. Avoid: spicy food, tobacco, alcohol, and irritants.

XXI. Scrotal Dampness (Xiuqiu Wind)

Oral formula for scrotal dampness: 5 g licorice (Gancao), 10 g akebia (Mutong), 15 g each of rehmannia raw (Shengdi), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), scutellaria (Huangqin), gardenia (Zhizi), and plantain seed (Cheqianzi), 15 g each of alisma (Zexie), bupleurum (Chaihu), and gentiana (Longdancao). One dose a day, decocted three times and taken three times; dispense 21 days. External formula: powder equal parts of phellodendron (Huangbai), cnidium (Shechuangzi), and dried alum (Kufan); sprinkle on the affected area twice a day, morning and evening (after 5 days, when the skin is dry, dampen the area with a wet towel before powdering so the powder adheres to the lesion).

XXII. Diarrhea (Chronic Colitis)

If the diarrhea is not caused by food poisoning, try this secret formula: equal amounts of honeysuckle (Shuanghua), alum (Baifan), sulfur (Liuhuang), and poppy husk (Mikang). Stir-fry the honeysuckle and poppy husk over low heat until yellow and crisp, then powder together with the alum and sulfur and seal for later use. Half an hour before meals, take 6–8 g of the powder stirred up in warm water, three times a day; usually the diarrhea stops immediately. This method is not suitable for infants and young children.

XXIII. Post-Childbed Illness (Yuezi Bing)

Secret formula for post-childbed illness: this formula is very useful; for the various pains that arise during the postpartum confinement period from catching cold or wind, unless the patient refuses to drink the medicine, taking it must bring recovery: 9 g each of licorice (Gancao) and aconite (Fuzi); 20 g each of cassia twig (Guizhi), peony (Shaoyao), and fresh ginger (Shengjiang); 10 jujubes (Dazao). One dose a day, divided into 3 doses half an hour before meals (morning, noon, evening). Begin taking after menstruation has ceased, for 21 days. Avoid spicy and cold foods; during medication do not go outdoors, do not catch cold, and do not use fans or air conditioning.

XXIV. Appendicitis

About my secret formula for appendicitis — I would really feel I had wronged you if I did not tell you, so after much deliberation here it is: 75 g (one and a half liang) each of oldenlandia (Baihuasheshecao), rehmannia raw (Shengdi), honeysuckle (Shuanghua), Viola (Zihuadiding), and Patrinia (Baijiangcao). One dose a day, decocted three times and taken three times; dispense 7 days. Drinking this roots out both acute and chronic appendicitis.

Reminder: the medicine tastes a bit bitter, but "good medicine is bitter in the mouth"; every time it is used it never fails. Young children do not tolerate this formula.

XXV. Side-Stitch

Secret formula for side-stitch: 10 g each of curcuma (Yujin), fennel (Xiaohuixiang), and notoginseng (Sanqi); 30 g each of tangerine peel green (Qingpi), Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuanxiong), Lindera (Wuyao), and rehmannia prepared (Shudi). One dose a day, decocted in water three times for the patient to drink; three packages cure it. It works every time.

Avoid: spicy food.

Generic name: Bencao Biyan Jing (Herbal Rhinitis Cleaner). Ingredients: Xanthium (Cangerzi), Angelica dahurica (Baizhi), borneol (Bingpian), mint (Bohe), red peony (Chishao), Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuanxiong), Bambusa tabashir (Tianzhu Huang), Leonurus fruit (Chongweizi), loofah vine with root (Liansi gua Teng), astragalus (Huangqi), licorice (Gancao), magnolia flower (Xinyi), etc.

【Indications】Chronic rhinitis, atrophic rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and related conditions.

The facial-paralysis formula is composed of several Chinese medicines; treatment proceeds simultaneously in four steps to ensure a sure hand and the fastest recovery for the patient.

(1) Slice fresh ginger, place on a plate, and steam in a pot for 10 minutes. Take out, dip the ginger slice in the steaming water on the plate, and wipe the face — twice a day, about 20–30 minutes each time. Remember to wipe the affected side.

(2) Use 6 g each of Typhonium (Baifuzi), licorice (Gancao), Notopterygium (Qianghuo), scorpion (Quanxie), Eucommia (Duzhong), teasel (Xuduan), Gentiana macrophylla (Qinjiao), and earthworm (Dilong); 10 g each of stir-fried atractylodes (Chaobaizhu), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), achyranthes (Niuxi), Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuanxiong), and batrachnype (Jiangcan); 20 g Hangzhou chrysanthemum (Hangbaiju); 50 g astragalus (Huangqi); 1006 g Erodium (Laoguancao). One dose a day, decocted three times and taken three times, half an hour before meals; when taking, drink a big mouthful of white liquor. Improvement in 3 days; dispense 10 doses. (Do not stop until the illness is cured. Because this formula activates blood and resolves stasis, female patients should stop taking it during menstruation.)

(3) Use a three-edged needle to prick 3–5 points along the occlusal line inside the mouth (prick the side that is crooked). Best to take an anti-inflammatory drug by mouth for one day to prevent infection (i.e., break 3–5 bleeding points along the occlusal line; be careful to prick the affected side, not the wrong side. New patients need one pricking; chronic patients once every half month).

(4) Use equal parts of sulfur (Liuhuang), pepper (Hujiao), Angelica dahurica (Baizhi), and Chinese honeylocust (Zaojiao), ground into fine powder; wrap in gauze into small packets and plug into the nostrils. If the left face is crooked, plug the right nostril; if the right face is crooked, plug the left nostril. Change twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime; dispense 10 days. (Pay close attention: plug the nostril on the healthy side — i.e., the side of the normal face. Before inserting, dampen the medicine packet a little with water — just dip it, do not deliberately soak. Note: because the formula activates blood and resolves stasis, female patients should stop taking it during menstruation.) Strictly avoid the forbidden foods.

XXVIII. Burns and Scalds

A burn-and-scald secret formula used for over 30 years: "With charred burnet, fear not burned skin." Stir-fry 5 g burnet carbon (Ditan Tan) into an extremely fine powder; add 12 g borax (Pengsha), 4 g borneol (Bingpian), and 4 egg whites; stir together into a paste that does not stick or stretch, like a thin gruel. After mixing, soak gauze in it and bandage using battlefield bandaging (this formula leaves no scar; strictly scale the proportions up or down according to the burn area).

Reminder: remember to prepare fresh and use immediately; discard any leftover paste. For blisters, puncture them with a disinfected sterile needle. The patient takes anti-inflammatory medicine or drinks anti-inflammatory Chinese herbs for 5 days. Cured in 7–8 days without scarring; works every time.

XXIX. Rhinitis

Steep 100 g each of honeycomb (Fengfang, torn into pieces), magnolia flower (Xinyi), and Xanthium (Cangerzi) in 1500 g of water for half an hour; simmer gently down to 1000 g, strain, and add salt to make a liquid twice as salty as ordinary soup. Reminder: after settling, take the supernatant and add nasal drops (Dibijing) at a ratio of 10 ml per 20 ml of herbal liquid — this makes an excellent external rhinitis medicine. It is quite effective for all rhinitides except sinusitis; apply it and it works. If you haven't used it, you won't know — once you do, it's truly marvelous.

XXX. Hemorrhoids

10 g each of bupleurum (Chaihu), charred burnet (Diyu Tan), cimicifuga (Shengma), licorice (Gancao), scutellaria (Huangqin), stir-fried immature bitter orange (Chaozhiqiao), perilla seed (Dasuzi), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), and moutan bark (Danpi); 20 g each of stir-fried sophora pod (Chaohuaijiao) and earthworm (Dilong). Patients with blood in the stool: add another 10 g charred burnet to the base formula. Patients with rectal prolapse: add another 10 g cimicifuga to the base formula. Only then does it reach the highest level — stopping bleeding and shrinking the hemorrhoids and rectum on the same day. Decoct in water, three decoctions and three doses; one dose a day. One dose shows effect; seven doses eliminate symptoms; take 12 doses in total. Except for severe anal fistula, it can root-cure (after finishing the 12 doses, no matter how good the patient feels, continue dietary avoidance for one month so the lesions recover better).

XXXI. Impetigo

Secret formula for impetigo used for years: grind 100 tablets of furazolidone (Liteling) and 50 tablets of dexamethasone (Dimi) into powder; mix well with fluocinolone (Fusong) ointment and bottle for later use. When using, apply directly to the lesion. If there are hard crusts, first soften them with a hydrogen-peroxide-soaked cotton ball, remove the crust, then apply the ointment. Apply and rub twice a day; impetigo is cured in under two days.

XXXII. Chronic Ulcer of the Leg (Lianshuang)

Whether the chronic leg ulcer arises in a diabetic or a varicose-vein patient, here is the secret formula: equal parts of honeylocust thorn (Zaoci), rehmannia raw (Shengdi), autumn red persimmon (in other seasons use dried persimmon cake blended with water, slightly less effective), and dog-dung candy (black brown sugar). Powder the herbs finely, stir into a paste, apply to the lesion, and bandage with plastic paper (nowadays plastic wrap). Change the dressing once a day, preferably at night, until cured.

XXXIII. Smelly and Sweaty Feet

Treating smelly, sweaty feet: crush a few tablets of Mignonette (Miglaining) and mix with equal amounts of baking soda; sprinkle on the insole. Treating smelly and sweaty feet gives immediate results.

XXXIV. Drooling in Children

(1) Powder 3 g each of atractylodes (Cangzhu), cornus (Shanzhuyu), schizandra (Wuweizi), Alpinia oxyphylla (Yizhiren), plantain seed (Cheqianzi), atractylodes white (Baizhu), and talc (Huashi), plus 6 white pepper corns; powder together and divide into 10 doses. Each time, dampen one portion of powder with a little water and pack into the child's navel; secure with Shexiang Zhuanggu plaster. Remove after 24 hours and wash the child's navel. Apply every other day. Usually the drooling stops before all the above powder is used. (2) Based on my many years of practice, having the child dissolve 654-2 (3 mg) under the tongue twice a day (morning and evening) is very effective.

Reminder: the above two methods apply to toddlers over one and a half years old.

XXXV. Acne

External: 50 tablets metronidazole, vitamin B6 (100 tablets), 300 g ginkgo nut (Baiguoren, crushed); add 1 kg of 60% white liquor, macerate for two weeks, and strain for later use. Rub into the affected area 2–3 times a day.

Oral: 10 g each of licorice (Gancao), rhubarb (Chuanjun), Polygonum cuspidatum (Huzhang), stir-fried immature bitter orange (Chaozhiqiao), and salvia (Danshen); 20 g each of dandelion (Pugongying) and hawthorn (Shanzha); 30 g each of honeysuckle (Erhua), prunella (Xiakucao), and oldenlandia (Baihuasheshecao). One dose a day, divided into three doses; each time drink a mouthful of white liquor. Dispense for half a month.

Avoid spicy and irritant foods. Taking tetracycline, cimetidine, and azithromycin at the labeled dose simultaneously gives even better results.

10 g each of Poria (Fuling), atractylodes (Baizhu), moutan bark (Danpi), alisma (Zexie), and psoralea (Buguzhi); 15 g each of rehmannia prepared (Shudi), cornus (Shanzhuyu), and Dioscorea (Shanyao).

Reminder: one dose a day; dispensing for half a month roots it out.

XXXVII. Dizziness and Vertigo

Secret-formula combination for vertigo: 10 g each of uncaria (Gouteng), licorice (Gancao), bupleurum (Chaihu), jujube (Dazao), scutellaria (Huangqin), and tangerine peel (Chenpi); 20 g each of atractylodes (Baizhu), chrysanthemum (Juhua), atractylodes (Cangzhu), Codonopsis (Dangshen), Poria (Fuling), and gastrodia (Tianma); 50 g each of fresh ginger (Shengjiang) and alisma (Zexie). One dose a day. Dispense 10 days.

XXXVIII. Tearing in the Wind

Secret-formula combination for tearing in the wind: 15 g each of Tribulus terrestris (Baili), goji (Gouqizi), chrysanthemum (Juhua), cornus (Shanzhuyu), moutan bark (Danpi), Dioscorea (Shanyao), and Poria (Fuling); 20 g each of alisma (Zexie), plantain seed (Cheqianzi), and rehmannia prepared (Shudihuang). One dose a day, decocted three times and taken three times; cured in 5–7 days.

XXXIX. Moles and Warts

Equal parts of quicklime (Shengshihui), soda ash (Jianmian — the kind used for old-dough steamed buns, not baking soda or yeast), and table salt. Mix well with 75% medicinal alcohol; use a toothpick to dab onto the warts. After scabbing, the scab falls off naturally and the condition is cured.

Reminder: when applying, dab according to the size of the wart; never get it on healthy skin.

XL. Leg Cramps

Formula combination for leg cramps: 10 g licorice (Gancao), 15 g salvia (Danshen), 50 g white peony (Baishao). One dose a day; dispense 5 doses.

XLI. Bad Breath

The definitive trick for bad breath: 5 g each of coptis (Huanglian) and mint (Bohe); 10 g each of rehmannia raw (Shengdi), Asparagus (Tiandong), Dendrobium (Shihu), scutellaria (Huangqin), Artemisia yinchen (Yinchen), immature bitter orange (Zhishi), Ophiopogon (Maidong), loquat leaf (Pipaye), rehmannia prepared (Shudi), and licorice (Gancao). This is the adult dose; take three times after meals (morning, noon, evening). One dose shows effect; take 21 doses and it will not recur.

Reminder: women should stop during menstruation.

During medication avoid: spicy foods, tobacco, and alcohol.

XLII. Hiccups

Treating intractable hiccups: 6 g each of platycodon (Jiegeng), Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuanxiong), bupleurum (Chaihu), immature bitter orange (Zhiqiao), red peony (Chishao), and licorice (Gancao); 10 g each of safflower (Honghua), achyranthes (Niuxi), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), and rehmannia raw (Shengdi); 20 g peach kernel (Taoren); 30 g each of white peony (Baishao) and Clematis (Weilingxian). One dose works. Dispense according to the condition.

XLIII. Cold Hands and Feet, Chilly Limbs

5 g each of asarum (Xixin) and akebia (Mutong); 15 g each of licorice (Gancao), cassia twig (Guizhi), white peony (Baishao), and Angelica sinensis (Danggui); 20 g loofah vascular bundles (Sigualuo). One dose a day, taken three times before meals (morning, noon, evening). Linyi Runzetang reminds: dispense 10–15 doses.

XLIV. Hypertension

A formula used long-term for hypertension patients, truly efficacious: powder equal parts of scutellaria (Huangqin), gastrodia (Tianma), hawthorn (Shanzha), evodia (Wuzhuyu), Lycium bark (Digupi), chrysanthemum (Juhua), uncaria (Gouteng), burdock (Niubang), kudzu (Gegen), Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuanxiong), salvia (Danshen), and Eucommia (Duzhong). Take about 8 g and pack into the navel; secure with Shexiang Hugu plaster. Remove after 3 days and wash the navel; after one day off, reapply. The one-day gap prevents the plaster from eroding the skin. After 15 consecutive applications, decide further navel applications according to the patient's blood pressure. This method is very popular among hypertension patients.

XLV. Chapped Hands and Feet

Long-tested, very useful. Grind Bletilla (Baiji) and Solomon's seal (Yuzhu) into fine powder, mix well with vanishing cream (nowadays I usually recommend Dabao), and rub into the affected area. During the day wrap with plastic wrap for 2 hours; at night wrap overnight. 3 times a day; cured in 3–5 days.

XLVI. Wrist Sprain, Ankle Sprain, and Various Sprains and Contusions

Mix gardenia powder (Zhizi Fen) with equal amounts of Zhonghua Dieda pills using 75% medicinal alcohol into a sticky paste. Apply to the lesion about the thickness of a coin, wrap with plastic wrap or plastic film. Change every 12 hours; stop after three days. Swelling naturally resolves after half a month. The prepared medicine may be sealed and stored long-term.

XLVII. Stiff Neck

Needle the Xuanzhong point, and simultaneously take: 6 g each of moutan bark (Danpi), licorice (Gancao), cimicifuga (Shengma), white peony (Baishao), and phellodendron (Huangbai); 10 g each of corydalis (Yuanhu) and vitex (Manjingzi); 15 g each of rehmannia raw (Shengdi), kudzu (Gegen), and Codonopsis (Dangshen); 20 g astragalus (Huangqi). One dose cures.

Secret-formula combination: 100 g black soybean (Heidou), 500 g long-stamen onion (Xiebai), 1000 g Trichosanthes (Gualou), ground together into a herbal powder as fine as rice bran.

(1) Put the herbal powder into a water pipe (a respirator; if using a water pipe as a respirator, do not add water) and take deep breaths of the herbal aroma so the medicine reaches the lesion directly. Load the powder once and inhale for 3 minutes; load three times per breathing session. Breathe three times a day.

(2) To the powder left after breathing, add other powder to total 70 g, decoct in water to three bowls; drink one bowl three times a day, half an hour before meals. Watch the dietary restrictions.

(3) Adding vitamin A gives better results.

XLIX. Night Sweats

10 g each of licorice (Gancao), schizandra (Wuweizi), and stir-fried peach (Jiangtao); 15 g each of Angelica sinensis (Danggui), mulberry leaf (Sangye), and Dioscorea (Shanyao); 30 g each of rehmannia raw (Shengdi), astragalus (Huangqi), light wheat (Fuxiaomai), and calcined oyster shell (Duanmuli). Dispense 3 doses. One dose a day, decocted three times and taken three times: half an hour before breakfast and lunch, and at bedtime.

L. Urticaria (Hives)

Powder equal parts of astragalus (Huangqi), saposhnikovia (Fangfeng), atractylodes (Cangzhu), phellodendron (Huangbai), cicada slough (Chantui), mugwort leaf (Aiye), schizonepeta ear (Jingjiesui), zaocys (Wushe), Kochia (Difuzi), atractylodes white (Baizhu), and cnidium (Shechuangzi), for later use. The patient takes 15 g three times a day half an hour before meals in warm water.

LI. Chilblains

5 ampoules salvia injection (Danshen Zhusheye), 50 ampoules of 654-2, 5 ampoules vitamin B12, 5 ampoules dexamethasone, and 5 ampoules lidocaine, mixed for use. Inexpensive, with miraculous effect. For personal use, the proportions may be scaled down. Herbal formula: 50 g each of asarum (Xixin), safflower (Honghua), and borneol (Bingpian); 100 g each of raw Aconitum (Shengchuanwu), raw Aconitum kusnezoffii (Shengcaowu), cassia twig (Guizhi), and mirabilite (Mangxiao). Powder all the above herbs, add 2 kg of 60% white liquor, macerate for 5 days, and strain for later use. When using, dip a cotton swab in the medicinal wine and apply to the lesion; do not apply to broken skin. The above two are both external liniments for chilblains.

LII. Varicose Veins

500 g each of honeylocust thorn (Zaoci), asarum (Xixin), Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuanxiong), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), and safflower (Honghua); 1 kg goji (Gouqizi); 10 kg of high-proof liquor above 60%. Macerate for one month before use (if the herbs are crushed, the steeping time can be shortened). When using, apply directly to the lesion, 2–3 times a day. Oral formula: 10 g each of licorice (Gancao), immature bitter orange (Zhiqiao), Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuanxiong), red peony (Chishao), bupleurum (Chaihu), and platycodon (Jiegeng); 15 g each of honeylocust thorn (Zaoci), achyranthes (Niuxi), peach kernel (Taoren), cassia twig (Guizhi), scrophularia (Xuanshen), rehmannia raw (Shengdi), and safflower (Honghua); 30 g each of Angelica sinensis (Danggui) and honeysuckle (Shuanghua). One dose a day, taken half an hour before breakfast, lunch, and dinner; avoid spicy food, alcohol, and raw radish. Dispense 21 doses.

LIII. Mammary Hyperplasia

200 g each of Eclipta (Hanliancao), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), white mustard seed (Baijiezi), zedoary (Ezhu), Zhejiang fritillary (Zhebei), seaweed (Haizao), Ophiopogon (Maidong), Morinda (Bajitian), honeycomb (Fengfang), deer antler glue (Lujiaoshuang), Epimedium (Yinyanghuo), red peony (Chishao), kelp (Kunbu), tangerine peel green (Qingpi), batrachnype (Jiangcan), curcuma (Yujin), frankincense (Ruxiang), myrrh (Moyao), gecko (Shougong), turtle shell (Biejia), and honeylocust thorn (Zaoci); glossy privet (Nüzhenzi) and rehmannia prepared (Shudi), each 200 g; 2000 g tangerine seed (Juhe). Coarsely powder all together; weigh out 200 g per dose. One dose a day, decocted into a liquid, taken half an hour before breakfast and lunch, and at bedtime. For the evening dose, bring the decoction to a boil, crack in one goose egg, and drink. Powder 150 g gastrodia (Tianma) into fine powder; every night before sleep take 5 g and pack into the navel, securing with Shexiang Hugu plaster. Remove at noon the next day, wipe the navel clean with a warm wet towel, and continue packing the navel before bed. The sisters all say this is wonderfully useful.

Reminder: during treatment avoid spicy food, alcohol, donkey meat, hairy eggs, and raw radish. If you do as I have said above, by half a month from starting treatment you will find this formula truly miraculous; after a month of use, the lumps and all kinds of hyperplasia will be completely gone. This mammary-hyperplasia secret formula has relieved the suffering of countless women patients. A thousand formulas are easy to come by; an effective one is hard to find.