Má Huáng Tāng (麻黄汤, Ephedra Decoction) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Release exterior category, with Má Huáng as chief herb. It contains Má Huáng, Guì Zhī, Xìng Rén and Zhì Gān Cǎo. Actions: induces sweating, releases Wind-Cold exterior excess; diffuses Lung qi, calms wheezing.
| Pinyin | Má Huáng Tāng (Ma Huang Tang) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 麻黄汤 |
| English | Ephedra Decoction |
| Category | Release exterior |
| Chief | Má Huáng |
| Tongue | Thin white coat |
| Pulse | Floating, tight |
| Cautions | Contains Má Huáng (ephedra): avoid with hypertension, heart disease, insomnia, anxiety or exterior deficiency with sweating; regulated in some countries. |
Ingredients
| Herb | Dose |
|---|---|
| Má Huáng | 9g |
| Guì Zhī | 6g |
| Xìng Rén | 9g |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo | 3g |
Actions
Induces sweating, releases Wind-Cold exterior excess; diffuses Lung qi, calms wheezing
Indications
Wind-Cold exterior excess: high fever, no sweating, headache, body aches, tight floating pulse
Formulas with similar ingredients
- Má Xìng Shí Gān Tāng shares Má Huáng, Xìng Rén and Zhì Gān Cǎo. Only Má Huáng Tāng has Guì Zhī; only Má Xìng Shí Gān Tāng has Shí Gāo.
Test yourself
What herbs are in Má Huáng Tāng?
Má Huáng Tāng contains Má Huáng 9g, Guì Zhī 6g, Xìng Rén 9g and Zhì Gān Cǎo 3g.
What is Má Huáng Tāng used for?
Wind-Cold exterior excess: high fever, no sweating, headache, body aches, tight floating pulse.
What are the actions of Má Huáng Tāng?
Induces sweating, releases Wind-Cold exterior excess; diffuses Lung qi, calms wheezing.
What tongue and pulse go with Má Huáng Tāng?
Tongue: Thin white coat. Pulse: Floating, tight.
Use Má Huáng Tāng in a case
Shen Study cases ask you to name the pattern, then choose the formula and points, and explain why.
Practise a TCM caseShen Study is a study tool. Doses are as taught in standard formula texts; they are not prescribing advice.