Má Xìng Shí Gān Tāng (麻杏石甘汤, Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum and Licorice Decoction) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Release exterior category, with Má Huáng and Shí Gāo as chief herbs. It contains Má Huáng, Xìng Rén, Shí Gāo and Zhì Gān Cǎo. Actions: facilitates the flow of Lung Qi, clears Heat, calms wheezing.
| Pinyin | Má Xìng Shí Gān Tāng (Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 麻杏石甘汤 |
| English | Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum and Licorice Decoction |
| Category | Release exterior |
| Chief | Má Huáng, Shí Gāo |
| Tongue | Red, thin yellow coat |
| Pulse | Slippery, rapid |
| 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 | 6g |
| Xìng Rén | 9g |
| Shí Gāo | 24g |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo | 6g |
Actions
Facilitates the flow of Lung Qi, clears Heat, calms wheezing
Indications
Heat lodged in the Lungs: fever, wheezing and cough, flaring nostrils, thirst, with or without sweating
Formulas with similar ingredients
- Má Huáng Tāng shares Má Huáng, Xìng Rén and Zhì Gān Cǎo. Only Má Xìng Shí Gān Tāng has Shí Gāo; only Má Huáng Tāng has Guì Zhī.
Test yourself
What herbs are in Má Xìng Shí Gān Tāng?
Má Xìng Shí Gān Tāng contains Má Huáng 6g, Xìng Rén 9g, Shí Gāo 24g and Zhì Gān Cǎo 6g.
What is Má Xìng Shí Gān Tāng used for?
Heat lodged in the Lungs: fever, wheezing and cough, flaring nostrils, thirst, with or without sweating.
What are the actions of Má Xìng Shí Gān Tāng?
Facilitates the flow of Lung Qi, clears Heat, calms wheezing.
What tongue and pulse go with Má Xìng Shí Gān Tāng?
Tongue: Red, thin yellow coat. Pulse: Slippery, rapid.
Use Má Xìng Shí Gān 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.