连翘败毒散

• Calculation of the total raw herb weight of the original formula (based on the commonly used dosage):
  • Lian Qiao (forsythia fruit) 9 g + Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower) 9 g + Zhi Zi (gardenia fruit) 6 g + Huang Qin (scutellaria root) 6 g + Huang Lian (coptis rhizome) 6 g + Huang Bai (phellodendron bark) 6 g + Sheng Di Huang (fresh rehmannia root) 6 g + Fang Feng (saposhnikovia root) 6 g + Jing Jie (schizonepeta herb) 6 g + Qiang Huo (notopterygium rhizome) 6 g + Du Huo (angelica pubescens root) 6 g + Chai Hu (bupleurum root) 6 g + Chuan Xiong (chuanxiong rhizome) 6 g + Jie Geng (platycodon root) 6 g + Bo He (mint) 3 g + Gan Cao (licorice root) 3 g = 96 g.
• Conversion to 5:1 granules:
  • 96 g raw herbs ÷ 5 = 19.2 g granules.
• Recommended dose and method of administration:
  • One dose daily, taken in 2 divided doses dissolved in warm water.
  • If the sore is in the upper body, take after meals; if in the lower body, take before meals.
  • Each dose is 9.5 g.

5. Cautions and clinical notes

1. [Contraindications]: This formula is strongly bitter and cold, and may easily damage the Spleen and Stomach; it is contraindicated in patients with Spleen-Stomach yang deficiency and cold. It is also contraindicated when the sore has already ulcerated, or in cases of yin-type abscess (where the skin color is unchanged and there is no heat or pain).
2. Dietary restrictions: During treatment, avoid spicy, greasy, and fishy or other stimulating foods.
3. Modern applications: This formula is commonly used for the early stage of skin and soft tissue infections such as folliculitis, furuncle, carbuncle, and cellulitis, when the pattern is one of exuberant wind-heat pathogenic toxin.
4. Duration of use: This formula treats the branch (symptoms) and should be discontinued once the condition improves; it should not be taken long term. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after 2-3 days of use, seek medical attention promptly.