🌿 Folk Prescriptions

When Yangyang, a 5-year-old boy, was brought by his mother to the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, he cried and resisted fiercely, fearing injections or medication. His mother told the doctor that Yangyang had always been picky about food, refusing vegetables, and often suffered from hard stools. For the past two months, he experienced pain during defecation accompanied by minor bleeding. In the past week, he would cry and scream in pain while squatting on the toilet, unable to pass stool. After examination, the doctor diagnosed Yangyang with early-stage anal fissure.
Pediatric anal fissures are generally caused by long-term constipation, primarily presenting symptoms of pain and bloody stools, causing significant discomfort during bowel movements. If left untreated, it may progress into chronic anal fissure requiring surgical intervention. Therefore, once detected, pediatric anal fissure should be treated promptly. Associate Chief Physician Li Yongqi from the Department of Colorectal Surgery introduced a home remedy for early-stage anal fissure: applying egg yolk oil externally. Boil 10 eggs until cooked, remove shells and egg whites, then place the yolks in a pan and stir-fry over medium heat continuously. After approximately 15 minutes, the yolks will char and turn black. Continue frying for another 5 minutes until thick, dark-brown egg yolk oil appears. Strain out the residue, keep only the oil. Clean the anal area after each bowel movement, then apply the egg yolk oil directly onto the fissure using a cotton swab. Apply twice daily for 10 consecutive days. While using this external treatment, supplement with internal decoction: 10 grams each of Sophora japonica flowers (Huang Hua) and chrysanthemum (Ju Hua), steeped in 500 ml boiling water. Add an appropriate amount of honey made from Sophora japonica flowers when drinking. Consume several times a day as tea. By the second day of treatment, Yangyang passed stool smoothly and experienced reduced pain. On the seventh day, his mother returned for follow-up, reporting that Yangyang now defecated soft stools once daily without crying. Examination confirmed complete healing of the fissure. The doctor advised increasing intake of vegetables and fruits, continuing regular consumption of the Sophora-Chrysanthemum drink to prevent hard stools. Dr. Li explained that egg yolk oil has the effect of promoting tissue regeneration and moisturizing dryness, aiding wound healing. It is commonly used in folk medicine to treat burns and chronic non-healing ulcers. In the Sophora-Chrysanthemum drink, Sophora japonica flowers clear heat and promote bowel movements, cool blood, and stop bleeding; chrysanthemum disperses wind-heat and reduces fire. Combined with honey from Sophora japonica flowers as a guide, this formula not only enhances its ability to clear heat and lubricate the intestines but also improves palatability, making it more acceptable to children. This self-administered home therapy is simple, painless, and effective even for adults suffering from early-stage anal fissure.