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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Ephedra sinica |
6–9 grams | |
|
Cinnamomum cassia |
6 grams | |
|
Prunus armeniaca |
9 grams | |
|
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)
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