The incised wound is treated with Cowherb Seed Powder.

bubble_chart Note

This follows the previous section to clarify its treatment. An incised wound refers to a wound caused by a knife or axe. Excessive blood loss leads to blood deficiency in the meridians and collaterals, making them susceptible to invasion by wind-cold. Therefore, Cowherb Seed Powder is used both to stop bleeding and to prevent external pathogens. For minor wounds, it is applied topically as a powder.

bubble_chart Formula

Cowherb Seed Powder Formula
Cowherb Seed (collected on the 8th day of the 8th month) 10 parts, Fine Leaves of Sambucus (collected on the 7th day of the 7th month) 10 parts, White Bark of Mulberry Root from the Southeast (collected on the 3rd day of the 3rd month) 10 parts, Liquorice Root 18 parts, Pricklyash Peel (remove eyes and closed parts, eliminate sweat) 3 parts, Skullcap Root 2 parts, Dried Ginger 2 parts, Peony Root 2 parts, Magnolia Bark 2 parts.
The above nine ingredients: the first three (including mulberry root bark) are burned to ash while preserving their properties, ensuring the ash is not excessive. Each is separately pounded and sieved, then combined to form the powder. Take one square-inch spoonful. For minor wounds, apply topically; for major wounds, take orally. It can also be taken postpartum. If wind-cold is present, do not use the southeast mulberry root. The first three ingredients should be shade-dried for one hundred days.

bubble_chart Commentary

• Xu Bin said: This is a general prescription for treating incised wounds. Cowherb Seed, with its bitter and neutral nature, can promote blood circulation and thus paradoxically stop bleeding from incised wounds and relieve pain. Sambucus also promotes qi and blood flow, excelling particularly in relieving obstruction. The muscles throughout the body are governed by the lungs; mulberry root bark is most effective in benefiting lung qi. The southeast root, facing the sun, is especially rich in vital energy, helping to restore the dominant qi of the muscles. Hence, these three ingredients are used in large quantities as the sovereign herbs. Liquorice Root, which removes toxins and harmonizes the nutrient qi, is used in even greater quantity as the minister herb. Pricklyash Peel and Dried Ginger nourish the yang in the chest, Magnolia Bark disperses internally knotted qi, while Skullcap Root and Peony Root clear heat in the yin aspect as adjuvant herbs. If wind-cold is present, which belongs to pathogens intruding the meridians and collaterals, mulberry bark only benefits lung qi and cannot expel external pathogens, so it should not be used.