bubble_chart Preparation and Dosage Ephedra (Herba Ephedrae)
de-rooted and de-noded 30gm The crude powder of the same medicinal herb is to be taken in a dose of 6 grams, boiled with 150 grams of water until reduced to 90 milliliters, and taken warm after meals.
bubble_chart Efficacy
Ventilating lung and resolving phlegm, relieving cough and calming asthma.
bubble_chart Indications
The lungs are affected by cold pathogens, causing abnormal rising of qi with coughing, chest and diaphragm discomfort, spasms in the neck and back, nasal congestion with a heavy voice, dizziness and blurred vision, phlegm and qi stagnation, audible wheezing, and a floating pulse.
bubble_chart Formula Principles
This prescription is suitable for the syndrome of wind-cold invading the lung, lung failing to disperse and descend, and phlegm-qi obstruction. In the prescription, Ephedra is warm and pungent, ventilating the lung and relieving panting, inducing sweating to release the exterior, serving as the monarch; Bitter Apricot Seed and cultivated purple perilla fruit descend qi and resolve phlegm, stopping cough and serving as ministers; the root of phlegm is water, so Dried Tangerine Peel is used to regulate qi and dry dampness as an assistant; White Mulberry Root-Bark drains the lung and promotes water movement; red poria eliminates dampness and moves water, so that when qi moves and water is expelled, phlegm is naturally removed; roasted licorice serves as the envoy, harmonizing all the ingredients.
bubble_chart Syndrome Differentiation
- Cough with wheezing.
- Chest and diaphragm are full of vexation.
- Floating pulse.
bubble_chart Formula Modification
- For those with phlegm-dampness: add Pineilia, Magnolia Bark.
- For those with severe heat: add Gypsum, Skullcap Root.
- For sore throat and hoarseness: add Belamcanda Rhizome, Platycodon Root.
- For blood in phlegm: add lalang grass rhizome.
- For severe cold: add Dried Ginger, Asarum.
- For nasal congestion and heavy voice: add Saposhnikovia Root, Mentha.
bubble_chart Cautions and Contraindications
- Exterior deficiency spontaneous sweating, those with insufficient qi, blood, yin, and yang should use with caution.
- Avoid consuming raw, cold, greasy, and fatty foods.
bubble_chart Modern Application
This formula has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, dispels phlegm, relieves cough, alleviates bronchial smooth muscle spasms, eases asthma, and expels intestinal gas. It is used for pneumonia, acute bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, common cold, cough, and whooping cough.