Ma Huang Xing Ren Yi Yi Gan Cao Tang麻黄杏仁薏苡甘草汤
Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Coix and Licorice Decoction
Ingredients4 herbs
Indications
Wind-damp in the exterior with damp beginning to constrain into heat. The heat is low-grade and time-locked rather than the blazing fever of a wind-heat attack.
Clinical Manifestations
- Generalized aching that peaks in the late afternoon
- Wind-damp fever with mild aversion to cold
- Damp body ache with a slight cough
- Early damp bi in a warm humid season
Health Categories
Modern Applications
Common adjustments
- Heat more evident, throat dry — add Lian Qiao 连翘 or Hua Shi 滑石
- Cough with sticky phlegm — add Qian Hu 前胡 and Jie Geng 桔梗
Contraindications
Not for a plain wind-cold seal with no damp — it is too weak for that — and not for exterior deficiency with spontaneous sweating. Ma Huang still applies here even at a small dose.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.
Pregnancy
Avoid in pregnancy. Ma Huang is present and Yi Yi Ren is traditionally restricted during pregnancy as well, so this combination is one to leave alone.
Related Formulas
References
Source Jin Gui Yao Lue 《金匮要略》 · Eastern Han
「病者一身尽疼，发热，日晡所剧者，名风湿。」
- Classical source (public domain), cited in the source-quote section.
2. Scheid, Bensky, Ellis & Barolet. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. — composition & dosage cross-checked.
3. 《方剂学》（全国中医药行业高等教育规划教材）— 附方 note under 麻黄汤, pattern analysis cross-checked.
Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.