Ma Huang Xing Ren Yi Yi Gan Cao Tang
Star麻黄杏仁薏苡甘草汤 (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Coicis, and Licorice Decoction)
Source: Jin Gui Yao Lue (c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Ma Huang Xing Ren Yi Yi Gan Cao Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Coicis, and Licorice Decoction), from Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (c. 220).
Associated formula of Ma Huang Tang.
Actions: Releases the exterior; Dispels wind-dampness
Indications: Externally-contracted wind-dampness with mild generalized body aches, slight aversion to wind, and fever that worsens in the afternoon.
Usage: Mild wind-dampness; low doses reflect the mild disorder (other texts give different doses).
Category: Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Cold.
Source: Scheid V, Bensky D, Ellis A, Barolet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press, 2009, p. 10.
Composition
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 slightly warm (+0.33)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 17%, neutral 33%, warm 50%.
Taste
- pungent 8%
- sweet 42%
- bitter 42%
- bland 8%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 100%
- Large intestine 50%
- Stomach 50%
- Spleen 50%
- Heart 33%
- Kidney 17%
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.
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Formula family
Each entry reads as the larger formula written out: “+” adds its other catalogue cores, then the herbs none of them hold. A catalogue formula counts as a core only when at least 80% of its herbs are present, no more than 1 is absent, and the absent herb is not its chief.
Formula Network
Formulas that share herbs with this one — the closer to the centre, the stronger the match. Click a node to explore.
Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
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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