Ma Huang Tang
Star麻黄汤 (Ephedra Decoction)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhongjing (Han, 220)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) is the classic diaphoretic formula for Wind-Cold excess with no sweating. It forcefully opens the pores, releases the exterior, and disperses Lung Qi to stop wheezing. Characterized by strong chills, fever (chills predominating), body aches, and absence of sweating, this formula should be used with caution and discontinued once sweating begins.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ma Huang | 9g | 37.5% | Jun (Chief) | Opens pores, promotes sweating, disperses Lung Qi, stops wheezing. |
| Gui Zhi | 6g | 25% | Chen (Deputy) | Warms channels, assists Ma Huang, harmonizes Ying and Wei. |
| Xing Ren | 6g | 25% | Zuo (Assistant) | Descends Lung Qi, stops cough and wheezing. |
| Gan Cao | 3g | 12.5% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes all herbs, moderates harshness. |
Total weight: 24g
Dui Yao — Core Herb Pairs
The classical two-herb combinations at the heart of this formula, as recorded on the herbs' own pages — each pair has an action neither herb has alone.
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net warm (+0.88)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: neutral 13%, warm 88%.
Taste
- pungent 31%
- sweet 25%
- bitter 44%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 100%
- Heart 38%
- Large intestine 25%
- Stomach 13%
- Spleen 13%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Decoct Ma Huang first 15–20 min, skim foam. Add remaining herbs, decoct 20 more minutes. Take warm immediately.
Dosage
Take warm, cover with blankets to promote sweating. Stop once mild sweating begins. Do not use in deficiency patients or those who sweat spontaneously.
Conditions Addressed
Relationships
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Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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