(Ephedra Decoction)
Ma Huang Herba Ephedrae 6 g
Gui Zhi Ramulus Cinnamomi cassiae 4 g
Xing Ren Semen Pruni armeniacae 9 g
Zhi Gan Cao Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis praeparata 3 g
Explanation
This is the classical formula from the "Discussion of Cold-induced Diseases" for the Greater
Yang pattern with prevalence of Cold.
- Ma Huang, pungent, warm and scattering, is the emperor herb to release the Exterior,
expel Wind, scatter Cold and restore the dispersing and descending of Lung-Qi. - Gui Zhi, minister herb, assists Ma Huang in releasing the Exterior and expelling
Wind-Cold. - Xing Ren, assistant herb, helps the first two herbs to restore the descending of Lung-Qi
and stops cough. - Zhi Gan Cao, messenger herb, harmonizes the other herbs and, being sweet, tempers the
scattering effect of Ma Huang.
Jing Fang Jie Biao Tang
(Schizonepeta-Ledebouriella Releasing the Exterior Decoction)
Jing Jie Herba seu Flos Schizonepetae tenuifoliae 9 g
Fang Feng Radix Ledebouriellae sesloidis 9 g
Zi Su Ye Folium Perillae frutescentis 6 g
Qian Hu Radix Peucedani 9 g
Jie Geng Radix Platycodi grandiflori 6 g
Explanation
- Jing Jie and Fang Feng expel Wind-Cold and release the Exterior. Fang Feng will also
relieve body aches and headache. - Zi Su Ye releases the Exterior and harmonizes the Centre.