Jiedu Decoction for Redness, Swelling, Heat, Pain, and Erysipelas

In Dantai Yunan (Jade Records from the Cinnabar Terrace) there is a formula called Jiedu Decoction (Detoxification Decoction). Its composition is: Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), and Huangbo (Phellodendri Cortex), each 1 qian (3 g); Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix), and Zaojiaoci (Gleditsiae Spina), each 5 fen (1.5 g); Zhuye (Lophatheri Herba), 10 leaves. Decoct in water, take at any time, three times daily.

This formula clears heat and resolves toxin, and reduces swelling and dissipates nodules. It is indicated for all redness, swelling, heat, and pain in children, and for all kinds of erysipelas.

This formula was derived with modifications from Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (composed of Huanglian, Huangbo, Huangqin, and Zhizi). In it, Huangqin, Huanglian, and Huangbo clear heat and resolve toxin, exerting a definite antibacterial effect against a variety of pathogenic bacteria. Lianqiao both clears heat and resolves toxin and reduces swelling and dissipates nodules, and is an essential herb for external medicine. Tianhuafen clears heat and drains fire, reduces swelling and expels pus, and is also a commonly used herb for heat-toxin-type redness, swelling, heat, and pain. The Gancao here is raw Gancao (Shenggancao); raw Gancao both clears heat and resolves toxin and harmonizes bitter-cold herbs, reducing their side effects. Zaojiaoci reduces swelling and supports toxin outward, expels pus and dissipates nodules. Zhuye clears heat and promotes fluid production, and drains dampness to reduce swelling. When all these herbs are combined, they produce a strong effect of clearing heat, resolving toxin, reducing swelling, and dissipating nodules.

This formula has a good therapeutic effect on infectious furuncles and carbuncles. It can be used not only in children but also in adults. It is also suitable for malignant tumors belonging to the heat-toxin type; essentially every herb in the formula has antitumor activity. The main indication for this formula is whether the lesion presents redness, swelling, heat, and pain, and whether the patient has symptoms such as a dry mouth and dark yellow urine.

This formula may also be made into pills. Following the proportions, add an appropriate amount of refined honey to form pills; take 3 g each time, two to three times daily. The effect is equivalent to that of the decoction.