'Tuo Zhong Fang': An External Formula to Reduce Swelling and Stop Pain

The Qianjin Yaofang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) records an external formula called Tuo Zhong Fang (Swelling-Topicalizing Formula). It is composed of equal parts: Dahuang (Rhubarb), Huangqin (Scutellaria), Bailian (Ampelopsis), and Mangxiao (Mirabilite). Cut the herbs into pieces, boil in 600 ml of water down to 300 ml, and strain. Fold a cloth into four layers (today, medical gauze may be used), dip it in the decoction, and apply/wipe it onto the swollen mass (external compress on the lump). When the decoction dries, re-wet it; repeat as often as desired, day and night, for continuous use.

This external formula drains fire and resolves toxicity, reduces swelling and stops pain. It is indicated for well-abscesses (yong), boils (ju), and furuncles (ding). Judging from its composition, this formula has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-swelling, and analgesic effects, and works well on red, hot, swollen, painful skin infections. It is not limited to skin infections: for superficially visible tumors presenting redness, heat, swelling, and pain, it also relieves pain and suppresses tumor progression.

In this formula, Dahuang and Mangxiao, taken internally, purge heat and free the bowels; applied externally, they cool blood, invigorate blood, reduce inflammation and swelling. Dahuang has some anti-tumor activity. Huangqin both reduces inflammation and pain and has anti-tumor effects; modern pharmacological experiments have confirmed that the baicalin in Scutellaria inhibits the development of many tumors. Bailian is the tuberous rhizome of Ampelopsis japonica (family Vitaceae); its main actions are to clear heat and resolve toxicity, disperse well-abscesses and nodules, and astringe sores and generate flesh. It is a commonly used TCM herb for well-abscess swelling and pain, and also one of the TCM beauty herbs, as it repairs damaged epidermal tissue.

Thus this four-herb formula gives symptomatic treatment for red, hot, swollen, painful lesions; used externally it is safe and can be applied continuously. It rarely causes allergic reactions, and the great majority of patients may use it with confidence.