Formula Formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency

Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang

麻黄细辛附子汤

Also known as:

Ephedra , Asarum , and Aconite Accessory Root Decoction

Formula Composition

Ma Huang
Ma Huang
Zhi Fu Zi
Zhi Fu Zi
Xi Xin
Xi Xin
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifes the Yang
  2. Releases the Exterior

Patterns Treated

Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang

Main Actions

Tonifes the Yang
Releases the Exterior

Key TCM Concepts

Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang is a 3-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ephedra (Ma Huang) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency. Its main actions are: 1) tonifes the Yang and 2) releases the Exterior.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as common cold, bronchial asthma or allergic rhinitis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency

Common Applications

Common cold Bronchial asthma Allergic rhinitis Chronic bronchitis Pertussis Measles Pneumonia Viral pneumonia Trigeminal neuralgia Migraine Sciatica Renal colic Sick sinus syndrome Erectile dysfunction Myasthenia gravis Chronic fatigue syndrome

Ingredients in Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Ma Huang
Ma Huang

Ephedra

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Lungs
Parts Used Dried herbaceous stems
Role in Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Ma Huang is warm and acrid. It promotes sweating, releases the Exterior, and disperses the Cold. Ephedra and Prepared aconite is a good pair in this formula. Ephedra opens the skin pores to expels pathogen, while Prepared aconite boosts the Interior Yang Qi to push the pathogen.
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Zhi Fu Zi
Zhi Fu Zi

Prepared aconite

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Spleen
Parts Used Processed daughter root
Role in Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Zhi Fu Zi acrid and warm. It warms the Kidneys and also boosts the Yang. Ephedra and Prepared aconite is a good pair in this formula. Ephedra opens the skin pores to expels pathogen, while Prepared aconite boosts the Interior Yang Qi to push the pathogen.
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Xi Xin
Xi Xin

Wild ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Xi Xin assists the key Herb in releasing the Exterior and the Deputy Herb in dispersing the Interior-Cold. It also acts as an envoy by entering the Lesser Yin Kidney Channel, where it aids in focusing the formula's actions on the Lesser Yin-Warp Symptoms.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

This formula should be used safely to release the Exterior only in cases where the underlying Yang Deficiency is mild.  When the Deficiency is severe, this formula should be avoided because it can seriously damage the Yang.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.