Formula Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs

Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang

麻杏石甘汤

Also known as:

Ephedra Apricot Kernel Gypsum and Licorice Decoction , Ephedra Apricot Kernel Licorice and Gypsum Decoction

Formula Composition

Ma Huang
Ma Huang
Shi Gao
Shi Gao
Xing Ren
Xing Ren
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
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Kings
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Invigorates Lung Qi
  2. Clears Heat
  3. Calms wheezing by directing rebellious Qi downward

Patterns Treated

Lung Heat, Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs

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 Xing Shi Gan Tang

Main Actions

Invigorates Lung Qi
Clears Heat
Calms wheezing by directing rebellious Qi downward

Key TCM Concepts

Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ephedra (Ma Huang) and Gypsum (Shi Gao) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat from the Organs. Its main actions are: 1) invigorates Lung Qi and 2) clears Heat.

 

On this page, after a detailed description of each of the four ingredients in Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang, we review the patterns and conditions that Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang helps treat.

 

Ma Huang is a king ingredient in Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Lung Heat
  • Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs

Ingredients in Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Envoys
Ma Huang
Ma Huang

Ephedra

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Lungs
Parts Used Dried herbaceous stems
Role in Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang
Ma Huang invigorates Lung Qi so as to ease wheezing. Due to its warm nature, it must be balanced by the cold herb Gypsum, which is also a key herb of the formula. These two ingredients' dosage must be adapted based on specific patient's condition. For example, when the Lung Heat is severe with profuse sweating, Ephedra's dosage should be reduced, while Gypsum's should be increased. If Pernicious Evils haven't left the Exterior completely, Ephedra's dosage should be increased while the Gypsum's should be decrease.
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Shi Gao
Shi Gao

Gypsum

Temperature Cold
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used The mineral itself
Role in Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang
Shi Gao removes the Lung Heat and balances the Heat of Ephedra, which is also a key herb of the formula. These two ingredients' dosage must be adapted based on specific patient's condition. For example, when the Lung Heat is severe with profuse sweating, Ephedra's dosage should be reduced, while Gypsum's should be increased. If Pernicious Evils haven't left the Exterior completely, Ephedra's dosage should be increased while the Gypsum's should be decrease. Gypsum also clears Stomach Heat so as to ease thirst. It also removes muscles Heat to relieve fever and spontaneous sweating.
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Xing Ren
Xing Ren

Apricot seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang
Xing Ren helps the key ingredient Ephedra in invigorating Lung Qi. The combination of these two are very powerful in directing the rebellious Lung Qi downward so as to stop wheezing.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang, it is used because it harmonizes the actions of the other ingredients. It also moistens the Lungs and stops coughing.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for wheezing due to Cold invasion. Also contraindicated for whose condition lingers a long time because of normal Qi Deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Ma Xing Shi Gan 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.