Search in formulas
Ephedra, Asarum, and Aconite Decoction
麻黄细辛附子汤 〔麻黃細辛附子湯〕 má huáng xì xīn fù zǐ tāng
Source: Shāng Hán Lùn 伤寒论
Ingredients
- Má huáng (麻黄 Ephedrae Herba, ephedra) (with nodes removed) 6g
- Xì xīn (细辛 Asari Rhizoma et Radix, asarum) 3g
- Fù zǐ (附子 Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata, aconite [accessory root]) (blast-fried) 10g
Actions: Assists yáng and resolves the exterior.
Indications: External contraction of wind-cold in yáng vacuity constitutions with heat effusion, severe aversion to cold that persists however well the patient is covered, lassitude of spirit, desire for sleep, and a sunken pulse.
Method: Decoct with water.
Rationale: Má huáng disperses cold and resolves the exterior, makiing it a major agent for treating exterior repletion cold. But in patients generally suffering from yáng vacuity, treatment solely designed to effuse sweat and resolve the exterior will not only fail to have any effect but could cause yáng qì to drain with sweating, in serious cases causing yáng collapse (wáng yáng). For this reason, hot acrid Fù zǐ is used to arouse yáng qì to ensure effective exterior resolution. Xì xīn helps the Má huáng to resolve the exterior and helps the Fù zǐ to warm the channels and disperse cold. The formula as a whole therefore disperse the evil without damaging right qì, and supports right qì holding the evil in.
Notes: Also called Má huáng xì xīn fù zǐ tāng (麻黄细辛附子汤 Ephedra, Asarum, and Aconite Decoction)