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Diaphoretic Prescriptions Composed of Drugs Pungent in Flavor and Warm in Nature

Mahuang Jiazhu Tang: Classic TCM Formula

麻黄加术汤 麻黃加術湯
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 9 Oct 2026
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Name

The Prescription of Mahuang Jiazhu Tang

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 Mahuang Jiazhu Tang

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.

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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.

Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.

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