Chronic Leg Ulcer (Lianchuang) is an extremely stubborn external condition. When I was young, I witnessed patients with this disease suffering from foul-smelling pus, spreading infections, and non-healing wounds that persisted for years. Though many treatments exist, achieving real results is notoriously difficult.
In the Xinhai year (a traditional Chinese calendar year), my father contracted this illness. Despite trying countless washes and topical applications, his condition fluctuated between flare-ups and temporary relief. Later, we learned of a monk named Zhongling from Duofu Temple in Xibao Village, whose family had practiced surgical medicine for generations. Renowned for his expertise, he was invited to treat the ulcer.
Upon examination, Zhongling advised: “This type of ulcer reacts poorly to powdered herbal remedies (sanjì) or medicinal plasters (gaoyao). Using these will worsen the condition. Fresh tofu (doufu) is most effective—simply slice it thinly, soften it in warm water, and apply it to the wound, replacing it daily. It will （helps manage） completely within half a month.” My father followed this method, replacing the tofu slices daily, and recovered fully within the predicted timeframe.
Years later, I developed the same ulcer after a wound from a fall became infected. While the tofu (used in traditional contexts) gradually closed the wound, I experienced recurring pain. A neighbor then taught me another remedy: melt beeswax (huangla) completely, remove all impurities, mix in a small amount of pine resin powder (songxiang), and spread the mixture on bamboo paper to create a patch. Applying this patch immediately relieved the pain, and the ulcer healed completely.
These simple, inexpensive materials—tofu, beeswax, and pine resin—cured a notoriously persistent condition with remarkable speed. This proves that effective (used in traditional contexts) depends on matching the remedy to the disease, not on the cost or rarity of ingredients. I record this experience to highlight the wisdom of practical, accessible healing methods.
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