Formula Formulas that clear Wind-Cold

Ma Huang Tang

麻黄汤

Also known as:

Ephedra Decoction , Ma Huang Jie Ji Tang

Formula Composition

Ma Huang
Ma Huang
Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi
Xing Ren
Xing Ren
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Releases exterior cold
  2. Treats wheezing

Patterns Treated

Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, Wind-Cold, Greater Yang Attack of Cold, Exterior-Cold, Exterior-Full

Historical Origin

Discussion of Cold Damage (220 AD)

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Ma Huang Tang

Main Actions

Releases exterior cold
Treats wheezing

Key TCM Concepts

Ma Huang Tang is a 4-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 Wind-Cold. Its main actions are: 1) releases exterior cold and 2) treats wheezing.

 

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 Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, Wind-Cold or Greater Yang Attack of Cold. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as influenza, rheumatic fever or pneumonia for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
  • Wind-Cold
  • Greater Yang Attack of Cold
  • Exterior-Cold
  • Exterior-Full

Common Applications

Influenza Rheumatic fever Pneumonia Rhinitis Pharyngitis Otitis media Traumatic arthropathy Cervical spine disease Lumbar strain Periarthritis of the shoulder Rheumatoid arthritis Ankylosing spondylitis Raynaud's disease Sciatica Trigeminal neuralgia Migraine Sinusitis Scleroderma Asthma Chronic bronchitis Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Hay fever Pericardial effusion Eczema Urticaria Chilblains Common cold

Ingredients in Ma Huang Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Ma Huang Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Ma Huang
Ma Huang

Ephedra

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Lungs
Parts Used Dried herbaceous stems
Role in Ma Huang Tang
Ma Huang is warm and acrid. It is an especially strong diaphoretic which also disperses Lung Qi and treating wheezing.
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Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi

Cinnamon twigs

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried young branches
Role in Ma Huang Tang
Gui Zhi releases the exterior, especially the muscle layer. It also warms and invigorates the flow in the channels. Like the key ingredient Ephedra, It is also a diaphoretic. When the two ingredients are combined, they are very effective in releasing the exterior.
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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 Huang Tang
Xing Ren is bitter and slightly warm. It assists the chief ingredient Ephedra to treat wheezing and release the Cold Wind Evil by leading the Lung Qi downward. It also protects the Lungs from the acridity of the two main diaphoretic herbs thanks to it oily nature.
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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 Huang Tang
Gan Cao balances the actions of the other herbs by harmonizing the diaphoretic effect of Ephedrae, and counterbalancing the slight toxicity of Apricot seed.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ma Huang Tang

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

Contraindications

contraindicated for patients with debility and copious urination, and for patients who can easily bleed from nose. Patients with hypertension should take particular caution when taking this formula due to its adrenergic effects. Also, the formula should not be use for a long period of time.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Ma Huang 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.