Directly Pointed Formulas: Renzhai’s Treatment for Spider Bites and Venom

original: 直指方 仁齋治蜘蛛咬毒 (Zhízhǐ Fāng: Rénzhāi zhì zhīzhū yǎo dú). "Directly Pointed Formulas" is a famous medical text by Yang Shiying (style name Renzhai) from the Southern Song Dynasty, known for its practical and clear instructions.

If the pain persists as if the [insect] hairs have not been removed, continue to rub the area; the patient will only find relief once the hairs have been drawn out. If fermented black soybeans original: 荳豉 (dòuchǐ) are unavailable, washing the area with vinegar, brine original: 塩滷 (yánlǔ); the bitter liquid left over from salt production, often used as a disinfectant or coagulant., or sesame oil will also be effective.

Earwig Urine Sores

Earwig urine sores original: 蠼螋尿瘡 (qú sǒu niào chuāng). While the name refers to the earwig, the text explains a common historical belief that these skin eruptions were caused by the urine or secretions of spiders or earwigs coming into contact with human skin. are sores that develop on a person’s body or head when a spider urinates on them. The sores resemble millet grains appearing in clusters that look like "lazy silkworms" original: 懶蠶 (lǎncán); a descriptive term for the sluggish, pale, or slightly elongated appearance of the skin lesions..

Symptoms may include a pulling pain original: 掣痛 (chè tòng); a sharp, spasming, or tugging sensation., sometimes accompanied by fever and chills; these indicate a severe case. However, some people develop these sores without feeling any pain or irritation; in such instances, the toxin is mild rather than heavy.

Grinding rhinoceros horn original: 犀角 (xījiǎo) In traditional medicine, rhinoceros horn was used for its "cooling" properties to treat toxins and fevers; today, it is a strictly prohibited substance in international trade. and applying it to the area is the most effective treatment. Alternatively, one can use ramie vine original: 苧藤 (zhùténg) to rub and scrub away the fluid from the sores, then apply Golden Powder original: 黃金散 (huángjīn sǎn); a compound medicinal powder often used for cooling and drying damp sores. to the surface to find relief. Another excellent remedy is to take the earth from a swallow’s nest and mix it with sour vinegar to apply to the site.