Ephedra, Apricot, Gypsum and Licorice Decoction
Chinese Prescription: Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang
English Translation: Ephedra, Apricot, Gypsum and Licorice Decoction
Formula Type: Clear Heat from the Organs
Actions: Facilitates the flow of Lung qi, clears heat, & calms wheezing by directing rebellious qi downward.
Indications: Fever with or without sweating, thirst, wheezing, coughing, labored breathing, nasal flaring & pain, a thin tongue coating that can either be white or yellow, & a rapid pulse that can be floating or slippery.
Contraindications: Contraindicated for wheezing due to cold & in cases where the pathogenic influence lingers due to deficiency of the normal qi.
Pinyin | English | Suggested Dosage |
---|---|---|
view: Ma Huang |
Ephedra Stem | 12g |
view: Shi Gao |
Gypsum | 24g |
view: Xing Ren |
Apricot Kernel | 50 pieces (18g) |
view: Zhi Gan Cao |
Honey-fried Licorice | 6g |
Ma Huang / Ephedra, aerial part of plant | |||
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Taste: Acrid, Slightly Bitter • Temperature: Warm • Category: Exterior Releasing - Warm • Sub Category: | |||
Dosage3-9g |
Actions1. Releases the exterior & disperses cold: for patterns of wind-cold exterior excess (greater yang stage of the six stages) with chills, fever, headache, absence of sweating, & a tight, floating pulse. This herb is very effective in opening the pores & interstices to release exterior disorders.2. Facilitates the movement of Lung qi & controls wheezing: for cough & wheezing due to obstruction of Lung qi by wind & cold. The herb both encourages the Lung qi to flow more easily, & causes it to descend. It is important for either externally contracted or internally generated wheezing. 3. Promotes urination & reduces edema: especially for edema that accompanies an exterior pathogenic influence. |
MeridiansLung, Bladder |
CautionsIf too much of this herb is used, or for too long a period of time, it may cause heavy sweating that weakens the body. Toasting honey reduces this dispersing property. Use of the herb may also raise blood pressure or cause restlessness & tremors. Use with caution in cases of deficiency with sweating or wheezing. Toxicity: Three cases of ephedrine toxicity were reported after ingestion of as little as 15ml of a 1% solution. Symptoms included diaphoresis, temperature elevation (up to 39.2 c), epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting. Atropine was used successfully as an antidote. Especially in conjunction with cardiac glycosides, ephedrine can cause cardiac arrhythmias. |
Shi Gao / Gypsum | |||
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Taste: Sweet, Acrid • Temperature: Very Cold • Category: Clear Heat • Sub Category: Drain Fire | |||
Dosage9-30g, up to 90g for high fevers. Brake up & cook for 20-30 minutes before adding other herbs. |
Actions1. Clears heat & drains fire: for high fever without chills, irritability, intense thirst, profuse sweating, a flooding & big pulse, & a red tongue with yellow coating. This condition is identified as one of excess in the qi level of the four levels of disease, or the yang brightness channel stage of the six stages of disease.2. Clears excessive heat from the Lungs: for cough & wheezing with fever & thick, viscous sputum. 3. Clears blazing Stomach fire: for headache, toothache, or swollen & painful gums due to Stomach fire. 4. For eczema, burns, & ulcerated sores: usually applied topically in powdered form after being calcined & mixed with other herbs. |
MeridiansLung, Stomach |
CautionsContraindicated for patients with weak stomachs, or when the pulse is minute, or in cases of yang deficiency or heat from yin deficiency. |
Xing Ren / Apricot Kernel | |||
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Taste: Bitter • Temperature: Slightly Warm • Category: Tranform Phlegm & Stop Coughing • Sub Category: Relieve Coughing & Wheezing | |||
Dosage3-9g |
Actions1. Stops coughing & calms wheezing: used quite broadly for many kinds of cough disorders caused by either heat or cold, depending on the combination. Because the herb is moist in nature, it is especially useful for externally contracted dry cough.2. Moistens the Intestines & unblocks the bowels: this secondary use of the herb derives from its high oil content. Apricot Kernel - Northern - Bei Xing Ren is bitter. It is better for cough due to heat (excess condition). Apricot Kernel - Southern - Nan Xing Ren is sweeter. It is better for cough due to deficiency. |
MeridiansLarge Intestine, Lung |
CautionsUse with caution in treating infants & in cases of diarrhea. May antagonize huang qi, huang qin, & ge gen. Slightly toxic. |
Zhi Gan Cao / Licorice Root, honey-baked | |||
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Taste: Sweet • Temperature: Warm • Category: Tonic • Sub Category: Tonify Qi | |||
Dosage2-12g |
Actions1. Tonifies the Spleen & augments the qi: commonly used for Spleen deficiency with shortness of breath, lassitude, & loose stools. Also for qi or blood deficiency patterns with an irregular or intermittent pulse & /or palpitations.2. Moistens the Lungs & stops coughing: for coughing & wheezing. Because of its neutral properties, it can be used for either heat or cold in the Lungs. 3. Clears heat & relieves fire toxicity: used raw for carbuncles, sores, or sore throat due to fire toxin. For this purpose, it can be taken internally or applied topically. 4. Moderates spasms & alleviates pain: for painful spasms of the abdomen or legs. 5. Moderates & harmonizes the characteristics of other herbs: by virtue of its sweet, neutral, & moderating properties, this herb moderates hot & cold herbs, & mitigates the violent properties of other herbs. Since it is said to enter all 12 primary channels, it can lead & conduct other herbs into the channels. 6. Used as an antidote for a variety of toxic substances, both internally & topically. 7. The raw root clears heat & relieves toxicity, the honey-fried tonifies the middle & moderates spasms. |
MeridiansAll 12 channels (principally the Heart, Lung, Spleen, & Stomach) |
CautionsContraindicated in cases of excess dampness, nausea, or vomiting. May be in compatible with jing da ji, yuan hua, gan sui, & hai zao, & may antagonize yuan zhi. The toxicity of gan cao is very low, but if taken long-term it may cause hypertension &/or edema. Glycyrrhetinic acid has been reported to cause a reduction in the activity of the thyroid & a reducation in the basal metabolic rate. |