Diaphoretic Prescriptions Composed of Drugs Pungent in Flavor and Warm in Nature
San Ao Tang (三拗汤): Classic TCM Formula
Name
The Prescription of 三拗汤
Source
The book Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang
Ingredients
Ma Huang 30g,Xing Ren 30 g,Gan Cao 30 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.
Xing Ren: Promoting the flow of the lung-Qi, relieve cough and resolve phlegm.
Gan Cao: Clear heat and remove toxicity, aiding Ma Huang and Xing Ren in eliminating phlegm.
The Effect of 三拗汤
Effect
Diffuse the lung qi, relieve exterior syndrome, relieve cough and asthma.
Indications
Cold due to wind-pathogen, nasal obstruction, cough with choking sensation in chest.
Administrations
Decocted in water for oral dose to be taken twice.
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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