Ma Huang Fu Zi Xi Xin Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
麻黄附子细辛汤 · Má Huáng Fù Zǐ Xì Xīn Tāng
A Shang Han Lun formula for exterior cold attack on a background of Yang deficiency. It presents with fever, deep pulse, marked chills and cold limbs — exterior excess combined with interior Yang deficiency.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Yang Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Release exterior, warm Yang, disperse cold
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Warm the channels, assist Yang and release the exterior
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A Shang Han Lun formula for exterior cold attack on a background of Yang deficiency. It presents with fever, deep pulse, marked chills and cold limbs — exterior excess combined with interior Yang deficiency.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when exterior cold is clear but the pulse is deep and Yang deficiency is evident — a key formula for “cold exterior with deficient Yang,” not for pure excess exterior patterns.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Ma Huang Fu Zi Xi Xin Tang | Ma Huang Tang | Shen Su Yin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Release exterior, warm Yang, disperse cold | Release exterior Wind-Cold, stop wheezing | Tonify Qi, release exterior, resolve phlegm |
| Formula Category | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Yang Deficiency | Wind-Cold | Qi Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Fever ·Cold Limbs ·Fatigue & Low Energy ·Nasal Congestion | Cough ·Dry Cough ·Fever ·Cold Limbs | Cough ·Nasal Congestion ·Fever ·Fatigue & Low Energy |
| Main Herbs | Ephedra Herb ·Prepared Aconite Root ·Asarum / Wild Ginger | Ephedra Herb ·Cinnamon Twig ·Bitter Apricot Kernel ·Honey-fried Licorice | Ginseng Root ·Perilla Leaf ·Kudzu Root ·Peucedanum Root ·Pinellia Rhizome |
| Classical Source | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty) |
Clinical Perspective
Ma Huang Fu Zi Xi Xin Tang releases exterior cold while warming Yang. Ma Huang Tang is pure exterior excess Wind-Cold without Yang deficiency. Gui Zhi Jia Fu Zi Tang addresses exterior deficiency with Yang damage and continuous sweating. Shen Su Yin tonifies Qi while releasing the exterior for Qi-deficient patients with external cold.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
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Ma Huang Fu Zi Xi Xin Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Cold with Yang Deficiency
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Medical Disclaimer
For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.