Mai Men Dong Tang (Ophiopogon Decoction)

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.

Mài Mén Dōng Tāng  ·  麥門冬湯  ·  Ophiopogon Decoction

English Name

Ophiopogon Decoction

Classical Source

Jin Gui Yao Lue, c. 220 CE

Ingredients

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.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

Check Also

PubMed research

Complementary Therapies Including Tai Chi Show Physiological and Psychological Benefits for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Research summary (Tai Chi): Effects of complementary therapies on physiological and psychological outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A systemat - Respiratory medicine, 2026.