Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang
Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum, and Licorice Decoction
- Category
- Formulas that Clear Heat
- Subcategory
- Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs
- Ingredients
- 4 herbs
Actions
- Releases the exterior, and clears Wind Heat
- Clears heat from the Lungs.
- Circulates the Lung Qi and stops wheezing by directing rebellious Lung Qi down.
Indications
- Fever with or without sweating
- Coughing, wheezing, or asthma with difficult or labored breathing.
- Flaring and pain of the nostrils.
- Thirst with dry throat.
Western Uses:
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
- Lobar Pneumonia
- Bronchial Pneumonia
- Bronchial Asthma
- Pneumonitis from Measles
- Bronchiolitis
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Diphtheria
Ingredients
4 substances in Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang — each links to its full herb monograph.
Ma Huang12 gWarm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Shi Gao48 gDrain Fire
Xing Ren18 g50 piecesRelieve Coughing and Wheezing
Zhi Gan Cao6 gTonify QiPreparation & dosage
Decoction. Modern Dosage is usually 50% less than listed.
Safety — read before use
Do not use in cases of wheezing or asthma due to Wind Cold invasion
Originally Appeared In:
- On Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun)
Notes:
- Especially useful in children.
Sources & References
Compiled and edited by Thomas Dehli, Founder & Editor, Sacred Lotus
The information here is referenced from numerous sources — teachers, practitioners, class notes from Five Branches University, the books below, and the published research literature, with citations given as resolvable PubMed identifiers. Where sources disagree, I have flagged the discrepancies directly. If facts couldn't be verified, I have left them out. How we source our content.
Reference information for students and practitioners — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Terms of use.
Chinese Formulas Books & References
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