Diaphoretic Prescriptions Composed of Drugs Pungent in Flavor and Warm in Nature
Ma Huang Jia Shu Tang (麻黄加术汤)
Name
The Prescription of 麻黄加术汤
Source
The book Jin Gui Yao Lue
Ingredients
Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae) 6 g,Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) 4 g,Xing Ren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum) 9 g,Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata) 3 g,Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) 12 g.Explanation
Ma Huang: The principal drug, being pungent and bitter in flavor and warm in nature, relieving superficies syndrome by means of diaphoresis, facilitating the flow of the lung-Qi to stop asthma.
Gui Zhi: Expelling pathogenic factors from the muscles and skin by means of diaphoresis, warming the channels to expel pathogenic cold, assisting Ma Huang in inducing diaphoresis to relieve exterior syndrome, relieving pain in the limbs.
Xing Ren: Promoting the flow of the lung-Qi, aiding Ma Huang in relieving asthma.
Bai Zhu: Strengthening the spleen and inducing diuresis.
Gan Cao: Invigorating the spleen and stomach, tempering the actions of all the other ingredients.
The Effect of 麻黄加术汤
Effect
Relieving exterior syndrome by means of diaphoresis, dispel cold and eliminate dampness.
Indications
Rheumatic arthritis, asthma without sweating.
Administrations
Decocted in water for oral dose to be taken twice.
Contraindication
Cang Zhu can take place of Bai Zhu in this prescription.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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