Ma Huang Tang 麻黄汤
Ephedra Decoction

Tradition:


TCM

Source / Author:


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

Herb Name

Ma Huang (Ephedra)
Gui Zhi
(Cinnamon twig)
Xing Ren
(Apricot seed)
Zhi Gan Cao
(Fried Licorice)

Latin


Ephedra sinica
Cinnamomum cassia
Prunus armeniaca
Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Amount


6–9 grams
6 grams
9 grams
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.

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 de
ficiency, add Astragalus
3. If there is marked Dampness, add Atractylodes
Bai Zhu (Ma Huang Jia Zhu Tang)

Similar Formulas
Gui Zhi Tang

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.

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