Carbuncles in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different carbuncles patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Carbuncles are deep, red, pus-filled boils that emerge as clusters, often indicating a severe bacterial infection. These painful lesions are larger than single boils, spanning several centimeters in diameter, and are caused by the bacterial strain Staphylococcus aureus. Carbuncles can cause fever and general malaise, highlighting the body's response to infection.
The condition requires medical attention, as it signifies not just a local skin issue but potentially a deeper systemic challenge. Understanding carbuncles is pivotal for effective treatment and preventing their recurrence.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the concept of a "pattern" is foundational, representing a comprehensive diagnosis that encapsulates the underlying cause of symptoms like carbuncles. A pattern goes beyond the superficial signs to the root imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, and Organ systems.
Understanding the specific pattern—be it Toxic-Heat, Blood Deficiency, or another—is crucial because it informs a tailored treatment strategy. This approach ensures that therapy addresses both the manifestations and the internal disharmonies, paving the way for genuine, lasting healing.
TCM Patterns for Carbuncles
Heat
Causes: Carbuncles
Toxic-Heat
Carbuncles
Along with: Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Mouth ulcers, Tonsil swelling
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
Carbuncles
Along with: Pustule, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Throat pain, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Mouth ulcers, Tonsil swelling
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Carbuncles
Blood Deficiency with External Wind
Carbuncles
Along with: Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin
Wind
Causes: Carbuncles
Blood Deficiency with External Wind
Carbuncles
Along with: Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin
Herbal Formulas for Carbuncles
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address carbuncles
Dang Gui Yin Zi
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Blood
- Moistens Dryness
- Clears Heat
- Dispels Wind
- Relieves itching
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Blood Deficiency with External Wind
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis...
Er Qing Gao
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Disperses swelling
- Relieves pain
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Clears Wind-Heat
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Shi Wei Bai Du San
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind and transforms Dampness
- Clears Toxic Heat
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Yin Qiao San
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind Heat
- Clears Heat
- Resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Sang Ju Yin
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Stops coughing by invigorating Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Bai Hu Tang
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Drains Stomach Fire
- Generates fluids
- Alleviates thirst
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
- Clears and drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Qing Ying Tang
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Nutritive level Heat
- Relieves Fire Toxin
- Removes Heat
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system
- Removes Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxin
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Pustule, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Throat pain, Eczema...
Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Spreads Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
- Unblocks the orifices (specifically the nose)
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Pustule, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Throat pain, Eczema...
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness and transforms turbidity
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
- Reduces swelling
- Induces ulceration
- Moves the Blood and dispels stasis
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Zi Dang Gao
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and cools the Blood
- Resolves toxicity
- Moistens Dryness
- Relieves pain and itching
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Bing Peng San
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Dispels putrescence
- Reduces swellings and relieves pain
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Clear Heat by releasing the Exterior
- Clears the Toxic-Heat
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...
Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin
Addresses these carbuncles patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Resolves Toxicity
- Cools the Blood
- Reduces swelling
Addresses These Carbuncles Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Carbuncles
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Pustule, Red skin eruptions...