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Ma Huang (麻黃), the stem of Ephedra, strongly induces sweating to release exterior wind-cold, diffuses Lung qi to calm wheezing, and promotes urination to reduce oedema.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Ephedra sinica (Herba Ephedrae)
Common English Name
Ephedra
Taste
Acrid, slightly bitter
Temperature
Warm
Channels Entered
Lung, Bladder
Actions & Functions
- Induces sweating and releases exterior wind-cold
- Diffuses Lung qi and calms wheezing and cough
- Promotes urination and reduces oedema
Indications
Exterior wind-cold excess with chills, fever, no sweating and body aches; wheezing and cough; and wind-oedema with difficult urination.
Dosage
2-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Gui Zhi (Ma Huang Tang) for wind-cold excess; with Xing Ren for wheezing.
Cautions & Contraindications
Strongly diaphoretic and stimulating; avoid in exterior deficiency with sweating, in yin or qi deficiency, and in hypertension. (Legal restrictions apply in many countries.)