Ma Huang Tang
麻黄汤 (Ma Huang Tang)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhongjing (Han, 220)
Tai Yang Wind-Cold excess patternHigh fever with strong chillsNo sweatingSevere body achesAsthma with exterior ColdWheezing from Cold
Description
Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) is the classic diaphoretic formula for Wind-Cold excess with no sweating. It forcefully opens the pores, releases the exterior, and disperses Lung Qi to stop wheezing. Characterized by strong chills, fever (chills predominating), body aches, and absence of sweating, this formula should be used with caution and discontinued once sweating begins.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gui Zhi | 6g | 25% | Chen (Deputy) | Warms channels, assists Ma Huang, harmonizes Ying and Wei. |
| Xing Ren | 6g | 25% | Zuo (Assistant) | Descends Lung Qi, stops cough and wheezing. |
| Gan Cao | 3g | 12.5% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes all herbs, moderates harshness. |
| Ma Huang | 9g | 37.5% | Jun (Chief) | Opens pores, promotes sweating, disperses Lung Qi, stops wheezing. |
Total weight: 24g
Preparation
Decoct Ma Huang first 15–20 min, skim foam. Add remaining herbs, decoct 20 more minutes. Take warm immediately.
Dosage
Take warm, cover with blankets to promote sweating. Stop once mild sweating begins. Do not use in deficiency patients or those who sweat spontaneously.