Boils in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different boils patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Boils, medically known as furuncles, are painful, pus-filled bumps that form under the skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or more hair follicles. These infections typically start in sweat glands or oil-producing glands and can grow into red, swollen, and tender nodules. Boils can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks.
While anyone can develop boils, factors such as compromised immunity, poor hygiene, and friction can increase susceptibility. Recognizing and treating boils early can prevent complications such as the formation of more extensive infections known as carbuncles.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) regards boils as indicators of underlying imbalances in the body, particularly involving Heat, Toxicity, and Blood or Qi Deficiency. According to TCM, the key to treating boils lies in identifying and addressing the specific pattern of disharmony causing them.
This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body's systems and the importance of restoring balance to achieve health. TCM treatments for boils typically involve a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments tailored to the individual's unique pattern of disharmony.
TCM Patterns for Boils
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Furuncles
Blood Deficiency with External Wind
Furuncles
Along with: Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin
Heat
Causes: Boils
Toxic-Heat
Boils
Along with: Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Mouth ulcers, Tonsil swelling
Wind
Causes: Furuncles
Blood Deficiency with External Wind
Furuncles
Along with: Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin
Herbal Formulas for Boils
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address boils
Dang Gui Yin Zi
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Blood
- Moistens Dryness
- Clears Heat
- Dispels Wind
- Relieves itching
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Blood Deficiency with External Wind
How it manifests:
Furuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis...
Er Qing Gao
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Disperses swelling
- Relieves pain
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Shi Wei Bai Du San
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind and transforms Dampness
- Clears Toxic Heat
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Yin Qiao San
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind Heat
- Clears Heat
- Resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Sang Ju Yin
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Stops coughing by invigorating Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Bai Hu Tang
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Drains Stomach Fire
- Generates fluids
- Alleviates thirst
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
- Clears and drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Qing Ying Tang
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Nutritive level Heat
- Relieves Fire Toxin
- Removes Heat
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system
- Removes Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxin
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Spreads Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
- Unblocks the orifices (specifically the nose)
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness and transforms turbidity
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
- Reduces swelling
- Induces ulceration
- Moves the Blood and dispels stasis
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Zi Dang Gao
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and cools the Blood
- Resolves toxicity
- Moistens Dryness
- Relieves pain and itching
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Bing Peng San
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Dispels putrescence
- Reduces swellings and relieves pain
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Clears Wind-Heat
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Clear Heat by releasing the Exterior
- Clears the Toxic-Heat
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin
Addresses these boils patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Resolves Toxicity
- Cools the Blood
- Reduces swelling
Addresses These Boils Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Boils
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...