Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Ephedrae Radix et Rhizoma |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 麻黃根 · Ma Huang Gen |
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| Medicinal Part | Roots and rhizomes |
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| Efficacy Category | Astringent |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried root and rhizome of Ephedra sinica Stapf or Ephedra intermedia Schrenk et C. A. Mey. (Ephedraceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet, Astringent; Neutral |
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| Channels Entered | Heart, Lung |
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What Is Ma Huang Gen?
Ma Huang Gen (Ephedra Root) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shanxi, Hebei, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Astringent; Neutral
Channels Entered: Heart, Lung
Ma Huang Gen: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Ephedrae Radix et Rhizoma
Botanical Origin
The dried root and rhizome of Ephedra sinica Stapf or Ephedra intermedia Schrenk et C. A. Mey. (Ephedraceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shanxi, Hebei, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang.
Quality Requirements
Superior material is thick, red-brown and firm.
Macroscopic Features
Cylindrical, slightly bent, 8~25 cm long, 0.5~1.5 cm diameter; externally red-brown or dark brown, with longitudinal wrinkles and transverse lenticels, outer bark easy to peel off; texture hard; fractured surface pale yellowish-white, wood with radial rays and small pith; faint odor; slightly bitter taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet, Astringent; NeutralHeartLung
Traditional Functions
Secures the exterior and stops sweating.
How Ma Huang Gen Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Ma Huang Gen is classified among the Astringent herbs. It appears in 1 classical formulas in our library.
Formulas containing Ma Huang Gen are traditionally used for:
Night SweatsDry Mouth & ThroatFeverSpontaneous Sweating
Classical Formulas Containing Ma Huang Gen
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ma Huang Gen? Are Ma Huang and Fu Xiao Mai the same?
Ma Huang Gen (麻黄根) is the dried root and rhizome of Ephedra sinica or Ephedra intermedia (Ephedrae Radix et Rhizoma), a common Chinese herb centered on stopping sweating. Ma Huang induces sweating and releases the exterior, leaning to dispersing the Lung. Fu Xiao Mai stops sweating, leaning to clearing heat. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Ma Huang Gen. Use caution when the exterior pathogen is not resolved.
What is the composition and traditional use of Ma Huang Gen?
Pharmacopoeial name Ma Huang Gen, Latin Ephedra sinica Stapf. Sweet and astringent, neutral; enters the Heart and Lung channels. It acts to stop sweating. It is used for spontaneous sweating and night sweating. Stops sweating.
How do you choose raw versus prepared? Can Ma Huang replace it?
Slices used raw. Ma Huang leans to inducing sweating without specialized sweat-stopping; it cannot replace the formula by equal weight. Commercial products follow regulated processing; do not self-modify.
Learn More About Ma Huang Gen
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Ma Huang Gen.
Read the Ma Huang Gen Guide →
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
