Mai Men Dong Tang (麥門冬湯) nourishes the yin of the Lung and Stomach, generates fluids and descends rebellious qi; for Lung/Stomach yin deficiency with a dry, rebellious cough or reflux.
English Name
Ophiopogon Decoction
Classical Source
Jin Gui Yao Lue, c. 220 CE
Ingredients
- Mai Men Dong (large dose) – chief; Ren Shen, Geng Mi, Da Zao, Gan Cao (support Stomach)
- Ban Xia (small dose, descend rebellion)
Actions & Functions
- Nourishes the Lung and Stomach yin and generates fluids
- Descends rebellious qi
Indications
Lung/Stomach yin deficiency with rebellious qi: a dry, hacking cough with scanty sticky sputum or coughing of blood; or reflux and vomiting with a dry mouth.
Tongue & Pulse
Tongue: red and dry with little coat. Pulse: weak and rapid.
Modifications
With more Lung dryness, add Sha Shen and Yu Zhu.
Cautions & Contraindications
For yin-deficiency dryness; not for cough from cold-damp phlegm.
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