Ma Huang Tang
麻黄汤

 

 

Ephedra Decoction

Disclaimer    For educational purposes only.  Do not use as medical advice

AboutHerbsCaution/Notes
Health Benefits
For: Fever • Chills but no sweating • Headache • Wheezing • Overall body ache
Attributes:
Products (online examples)

Granules

Granules

Capsules

Capsules

Research (sample)
Categories (Click on ⌕ for other formulas in the category)
Category: Release the Exterior ⌕    Subcategory: Release Exterior Cold ⌕      Family: Ma Huang Lei Fang ⌕      Source: Shang Han Lun  ⌕       Related Formula:
Actions
Releases exterior cold • Stops wheezing • To induce sweating
Indications and Contraindications
Appearance: Tongue -White      Pulse -Floating      Face/other 
Patterns:  
Indications:
Contraindications: Hypertension • Frequent urination • Illness induced weakness
Properties
Data adapted from product found online.  Categories 4% or less not shown.

Herbs Cat/Dose Actions Properties
Ma Huang • Ephedra • 麻黄 Release Exterior Wind Cold
9g
Release exterior • Dispel cold • Induce sweating • Open pores • Increase urination • Relief edema • Control cough • Control wheezing • Ease wind damp Bi painTossing with honey lowers the dispersing effects Antiviral • Diaphoretic • Hypertensive • Stimulant • Diuretc • Anti-inflammatory • Analgesic • Anti-influenza • Anti-metastic
Gui Zhi • Cinnamon Twig • 桂枝 Release Exterior Wind Cold
6g
Unblock yang Qi • Warm channels • Expel Cold in muscle layer • Improve circulation • Relieve pain Antimicrobial • anticoagulant • teratogenic • emmenagogue • antiparasitic • antibiotic • hypoglycemic •analgesic • anti-inflammatory • antioxidant • free radical scavenging • sedative • memory enhancer
Xing Ren
9g-12g
Zhi Gan CaoLicorice Root • 甘草 Tonify Qi
3g
Tonify Spleen Qi • Tonify Heart qi • Clear heat • Resolve toxicity • Stop cough • Dispel phlegm • Lubricate lungs • Stop wheezing • Reduce spasm • Relieve pain • Harmonize other herb effectsEnters all 12 channels, often serve as envoy in a formula. Hypoglycemic • Antiarrhythmic • Expectorant • Antidiarrheal • Antiulcer • Hepatoprotective • Antiulcer • Immunostimulant • Antitussive • Antiviral • Detox • Demulcent • Anti-inflammatory • Laxative • Emmenagogue • Antimicrobial • Spasmolytic
King/Chief    ♥ Minister/Deputy      Assistant     ♦ Envoy
Directions: 
  • Take recommended dosages stated on purchased products.  Always consult a physician if in doubt.
  • The goal of this formula is to cause sweating.  All the ingredients are added to the decoction and cook for about 20 minutes.  It should be taken hot to help with sweating,   It should be decocted till about 2.5 to 3 cups.  The three cups would be taken 3 times a day.  Once sweating occurs, stop taking this medicine.
Modifications For
+ Huang Qi Yang deficiency
– gui zhi by half + Tian Hua Fen + She Gan Sore throat
 + Shi Gao Exterior cold and interior heat
+ Si Wu Tang Childhood psoriasis

Caution
ALERT: Contraindications of each herb - use with caution under these conditions:
Ma Huang: Not for long term use • High blood pressure • Diarrhea • Insomnia • Dysuria • Cardiovascular problems • Heart palpitations • Seizures • Heart disease • Kidney disease • Liver disease • Caffeine • Stroke
Gui Zhi: Pregnancy • Liver Wind • Measles • Open skin sores
Gan Cao: High blood pressure • Low potassium • Pork • Seaweed • Chinese cabbage • Anti-diabetic drugs • Diuretic drugs
Notes

 

Bibliography: [3], [8], [9], [14]

Information in this post came from many sources, including class notes, practitioners, websites, webinars, books, magazines, and editor's personal experience.  While the original source often came from historical Chinese texts,  variations may result from the numerous English translations.   Always consult a doctor prior to using these drugs.  The information here is strictly for educational purposes. 

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