San Ao Tang
San Ao Tang 三拗汤
Three Unbinding Decoction
Tradition:
TCM
Source / Author:
Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era
| Herb Name | Latin | Amount * |
|---|---|---|
| Ma Huang(Ephedra) | Ephedra sinica | 6–9 grams |
| Xing Ren (Apricot seed) | Prunus armeniaca | 6–9 grams |
| Zhi Gan Cao(Fried Licorice) | Glycyrrhiza uralensis | 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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