Ma Huang Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
麻黄汤 · Má Huáng Tāng
The foundational classical formula for exterior excess Wind-Cold attack. Characterised by chills more severe than fever, absence of sweating, body aches, headache and possible wheezing with thin white sputum.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Release exterior Wind-Cold, stop wheezing
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Release the exterior, disperse Wind-Cold, promote Lung Qi diffusion and calm wheezing
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
The foundational classical formula for exterior excess Wind-Cold attack. Characterised by chills more severe than fever, absence of sweating, body aches, headache and possible wheezing with thin white sputum.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for excess Wind-Cold with a closed exterior — marked chills, body aches and a complete absence of sweating — rather than the sweating, deficiency-type presentation that calls for Gui Zhi Tang, and before the pattern has transformed into the Lung Heat with thirst and wheezing addressed by Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Ma Huang Tang | Gui Zhi Tang | Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang | Sang Ju Yin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Release exterior Wind-Cold, stop wheezing | Release exterior Wind-Cold (deficiency type), harmonize Ying-Wei | Clear Lung Heat | Disperse Wind-Heat, stop cough |
| Formula Category | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Wind-Cold | Wind-Cold | Lung Heat | Wind-Heat |
| Main Conditions | Cough ·Dry Cough ·Fever ·Cold Limbs | Spontaneous Sweating ·Fever ·Cold Limbs ·Nasal Congestion | Cough ·Asthma & Wheezing | Cough ·Dry Cough ·Sore Throat ·Fever |
| Main Herbs | Ephedra Herb ·Cinnamon Twig ·Bitter Apricot Kernel ·Honey-fried Licorice | Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger ·Jujube / Chinese Date ·Honey-fried Licorice | Ephedra Herb ·Gypsum ·Bitter Apricot Kernel ·Honey-fried Licorice | Mulberry Leaf ·Chrysanthemum Flower ·Forsythia Fruit ·Mentha / Peppermint ·Platycodon Root |
| Classical Source | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases, Wu Jutong, 1798) |
Clinical Perspective
Ma Huang Tang addresses excess Wind-Cold with no sweating (closed exterior). Gui Zhi Tang is used for deficient Wind-Cold with sweating. Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang is chosen when the pattern has shifted to Lung Heat with wheezing and thirst. Sang Ju Yin addresses mild early-stage Wind-Heat cough.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Ma Huang Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Wind-Cold Excess & No Sweating
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang: Traditional Chinese Herbal Formula for Cough, Wheezing, and Lung Heat
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Nong's Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
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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.