Four External Application Formulas for Treating Breast Hyperplasia

Formula 1 (source: Jilin Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine): Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma), Qingpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride), Chishao (Paeoniae Rubra Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Alba Radix), Paoshanjia (processed Manis Squama; see note below), Ruxiang (Olibanum), Moyao (Myrrha), Zaojiaoci (Gleditsiae Spina), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix), and Zhangnao (Camphor), equal parts. Grind all the above into a fine powder and store in a bottle. When needed, take an appropriate amount and mix with alcohol, vinegar, or water into a paste, and apply externally to the affected area.

This formula has the actions of regulating qi and resolving constraint, activating blood and dissipating stasis, and reducing swelling and stopping pain. It is indicated for breast hyperplasia.

Formula 2 (source: Modern Journal of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine): Shancigu (Cremastrae/Pleiones Pseudobulbus), Zhebeimu (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Tiannanxing (Arisaematis Rhizoma), Jiangcan (Bombyx Batryticatus), Ruxiang (Olibanum), Moyao (Myrrha), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), and Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), 10 g each. Grind all into a fine powder; take an appropriate amount and mix with yellow rice wine and egg white, then apply to the affected area.

This formula has the actions of softening hardness and dissipating nodules, activating blood, reducing swelling, and stopping pain. It is indicated for various types of breast hyperplasia.

Formula 3 (source: Journal of Practical Traditional Chinese Internal Medicine): Taoren (Persicae Semen), Honghua (Carthami Flos), Ruxiang (Olibanum), and Moyao (Myrrha), 1 part each; Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Yujin (Curcumae Radix), 2 parts each. Grind all into a fine powder; mix with vinegar or yellow rice wine into a paste, and apply externally to the affected area.

Actions: soften hardness and dissipate nodules, activate blood and resolve stasis, unblock the collaterals and stop pain.

Formula 4 (source: Sichuan Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine): Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Taoren (Persicae Semen), Honghua (Carthami Flos), Wangbuliuxing (Vaccariae Semen), and Baishao (Paeoniae Alba Radix), 1 part each; Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Yujin (Curcumae Radix), 2 parts each; Jixueteng (Spatholobi Caulis), 3 parts. Method and actions are the same as Formula 3.

The above formulas are all reliable prescriptions summarized by TCM clinicians, each clinically validated on dozens to hundreds of patients and showing some efficacy. Empty adhesive plaster patches are sold online; patients can buy empty plasters, fill them directly with the prepared paste, and apply to the affected area.

This treatment is simple and easy to perform, suitable for patients unwilling to take oral medication or for whom oral treatment has failed. Among the four formulas above, Paoshanjia (processed pangolin scales) is now a banned medicinal material under wildlife-protection laws and should no longer be used; omitting it has little effect on the formula. Banxia and Tiannanxing are toxic and must be used with care; they should not be applied if the skin is broken.