San Ao Tang 三拗汤
Three Unbinding Decoction

Tradition:

TCM

Source / Author:

Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era

Herb Name Ma Huang (Ephedra) Xing Ren (Apricot seed) Zhi Gan Cao (Fried Licorice)

Latin Ephedra sinica Prunus armeniaca Glycyrrhiza uralensis Amount 6–9 grams 6–9 grams 3–6 grams

Preparation:

Decoction
The source text said to grind into a coarse powder and take 15 grams with fresh Ginger infusion made from 5 slices of fresh Ginger root. Today it is prepared as a decoction in the above amounts.

Function:

Releases the Exterior, Unblocks the Lung Qi

Use:

Acute Wind-Cold disease with Head and Body aches, nasal congestion, cough and wheezing, excess clear or white sputum, chest oppression
1. Common Cold
2. Acute Cough
3. Bronchitis
4. Asthma

Dose:

The above decoction is divided into 3 equal doses to be taken over the course of a day.

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

Similar Formulas:

1. When Cinnamon twig (Gui Zhi) is added, it forms Gui Zhi Tang. This is a stronger Diaphoretic, used to promote Sweating.
2. When Gypsum is added it forms Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang, used for Exterior Wind-Cold with Interior Heat.

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