She Gan Ma Huang Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
射干麻黄汤 · Shè Gān Má Huáng Tāng
A Jin Gui formula for cold phlegm obstructing the Lung with wheezing, rattling throat sounds and cough with thin sputum, emphasising throat and airway clearance more than Xiao Qing Long Tang.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Disperse cold, transform phlegm, stop wheezing and cough
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Diffuse the Lung, transform cold phlegm and calm wheezing
- Classical Source
- Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A Jin Gui formula for cold phlegm obstructing the Lung with wheezing, rattling throat sounds and cough with thin sputum, emphasising throat and airway clearance more than Xiao Qing Long Tang.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for cold-phlegm wheezing with prominent throat sounds — more airway-focused than Xiao Qing Long Tang, without the upper-excess lower-deficiency framing of Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
生薑Sheng Jiang9g
Fresh Ginger- releases the exterior
- warms the middle and settles nausea
細辛Xi Xin3g
Asarum / Wild Ginger- warms the channels
- releases the exterior and opens the orifices
紫菀Zi Wan6g
Aster Root- transforms phlegm and stops cough
款冬花Kuan Dong Hua6g
Coltsfoot Flower- moistens the lung and stops cough
半夏Ban Xia9g
Pinellia Rhizome- transforms phlegm
五味子Wu Wei Zi3g
Schisandra Fruit- astringes and generates fluids
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Rhizoma Belamcandae (She Gan) 9g
- Herba Ephedrae (Ma Huang) 9g
- Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Sheng Jiang) 9g
- Herba Asari (Xi Xin) 3g
- Radix Asteris (Zi Wan) 6g
- Flos Farfarae (Kuan Dong Hua) 6g
- Rhizoma Pinelliae (Ban Xia) 9g
- Fructus Schisandrae (Wu Wei Zi) 3g
- Fructus Jujubae (Da Zao) 3pcs
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Diffuses the lung
- directs qi downward
- and transforms cold phlegm to calm wheezing.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for cold phlegm constraining the lung.
- Signs and symptoms include wheezing, a rattling sound in the throat, and copious thin foamy sputum.
- The coating is white and slippery.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to externally contracted wind-cold that fetters the exterior and constrains lung qi.
- Cold phlegm above with constrained lung qi produces wheezing, a rattling throat and copious thin foam-like sputum.
Clinical presentation
- Wei yang is obstructed, the interstices close, and the lung fails to diffuse, producing aversion to cold, absence of sweating, body aches and a superficial tight pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to induce sweating to release the exterior and diffuse the lung.
- In this formula the emphasis is to diffuse the Lung, transform cold phlegm and calm wheezing.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
She Gan Ma Huang Tang transforms cold phlegm for wheezing with throat rattle. Xiao Qing Long Tang releases exterior cold with interior fluids. Ding Chuan Tang descends Qi for asthma with more heat or chronic features. Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang descends rebellious Qi for upper excess lower deficiency wheezing.
Clinical Differentiation
- She Gan Ma Huang Tang is used for cold phlegm constraining the lung with wheezing and a rattling throat.
- The sputum is thin and foamy.
- It is distinguished from Xiao Qing Long Tang (exterior cold plus interior fluids) and from Ding Chuan Tang (phlegm-heat wheezing with an exterior cold layer).
Safety notes: This formula is acrid and warm. It is not appropriate for phlegm-heat wheezing with yellow sticky sputum and a red tongue.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of She Gan Ma Huang Tang?
She Gan Ma Huang Tang has the actions of warming the Lungs, transforming Cold Phlegm (cold thin mucus/rheum), descending rebellious Qi, stopping cough, and calming wheezing. It is the classic Jin Gui Yao Lue formula for cold-phlegm stagnation in the Lungs with audible throat rattling.
Which modern diseases is She Gan Ma Huang Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within cold Phlegm or cold rheum stagnating in the Lungs, including bronchial asthma or cough-variant asthma of cold-phlegm type, chronic bronchitis with thin white sputum and throat rattle, and certain post-infectious or allergic respiratory conditions presenting with cold thin mucus and wheezing.
Is She Gan Ma Huang Tang suitable for improving cough and wheezing with a rattling sound in the throat and thin clear sputum?
For presentations of coughing and upward rebellion of Qi, wheezing, a gurgling or “water-chicken” (frog-like) sound in the throat, profuse thin clear or white sputum, chest fullness or oppression, a white slippery tongue coating, and a wiry-tight or floating-tight pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms cold Phlegm/rheum stagnating in the Lungs — TCM commonly applies She Gan Ma Huang Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment of asthma or respiratory disease.
Related Articles
She Gan Ma Huang Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Cold Phlegm, Cough & Wheezing in the Throat
Ding Chuan Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Asthma, Wheezing & Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Rebellious Qi, Wheezing, Cough & Phlegm-Cold
Xiao Qing Long Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Cold with Interior Water & Cough
Browse all classical formulas →
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.