Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum and Licorice Decoction)

Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum and Licorice Decoction

Shang Han Lun, c. 220 CE

• Ma Huang – chief; Shi Gao (clear heat)
• Xing Ren (descend Lung qi); Zhi Gan Cao

• Diffuses the Lung and clears Lung heat
• Calms wheezing and stops cough

Lung heat: fever, cough and wheezing with laboured breathing, thirst, and sweating or no sweating.

Tongue: red with a thin white or yellow coat. Pulse: slippery and rapid.

With thick yellow phlegm, add Gua Lou and Huang Qin.

For Lung heat wheezing; not for wind-cold or deficiency wheezing.