Ma Huang Tang 麻黄汤
Ephedra Decoction

Tradition:

TCM

Source / Author:

Discussion of Cold Induced Disorders (Shang Han Lun) C.220

Herb Name

Latin

Amount

Ma Huang (Ephedra)

Ephedra sinica

6–9 grams

Gui Zhi (Cinnamon twig)

Cinnamomum cassia

6 grams

Xing Ren (Apricot seed)

Prunus armeniaca

9 grams

Zhi Gan Cao (Fried Licorice)

Glycyrrhiza uralensis

3 grams

Preparation:

Decoct in 6 cups of water for 20 minutes.

Function:

Clears Wind and Cold, stops Cough and Wheezing

Use:

1. Wind-Cold with Fever and Chills (chills more severe), no sweating, headache, body aches, floating pulse.
2. Acute Bronchitis or Bronchial Asthma with the above symptoms

Dose:

take a cupful warm to induce sweating. Once sweating is induced it is not taken again.

Comment:

This is the classic formula for exterior Wind-Cold; it is generally only used for excess Cold and is not suitable in patients with marked weakness unless corrected. It is also very useful for Cough, Bronchitis, Wheezing and Asthma from Cold.

Cautions:

1. Not used in patients with marked debility
2. Not used or used cautiously in patients with hypertension

Modifications:

1. If there is interior Heat with simultaneous exterior cold, add Gypsum
2. Marked Yang deficiency, add Astragalus
3. If there is marked Dampness, add Atractylodes Bai Zhu (Ma Huang Jia Zhu Tang)

Similar Formulas

Gui Zhi Tang

Back to DECOCTIONS
Back to FORMULAS
How to Modify a Formula
Substitutes
Weights & Measures

DISCLAIMER

This Website is intended for the study of Traditional Medicine. Some of the information is Intended for Historical reference only and may be illegal or dangerous if used by unskilled hands. MedicineTraditions cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of the information contained herein, nor can it be held responsible for injury, sickness or death due to use or misuse of the information contained herein.

Picture