Ephedra and Dried Ginger Decoction

Main Ingredients

• Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) 12g
• Ephedra (Ma Huang, nodes removed) 12g
• Aster Root (Zi Wan) 3g
• Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren) 9g
• Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi) 6g
• Honey-fried Licorice (Zhi Gan Cao) 6g
• Schisandra Fruit (Wu Wei Zi) 3g
• Water 800ml

Steps

1. This formula originates from the Tang Dynasty medical classic Wai Tai Mi Yao. It is a classic treatment for "cold in the lungs causing cough and qi reversal". The combination of ephedra and dried ginger, along with other herbs, works to disperse lung cold and stop coughs.

   

2. Place herbs in a clay pot with 800ml of water.

   

3. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat until the liquid reduces to about 300ml.

   

4. Strain out the solids. Divide the decoction into two warm doses.

   

TCM Notes

Core Pair (Ephedra + Dried Ginger) : Ephedra disperses lung cold, while dried ginger transforms phlegm and fluids, together targeting cold and phlegm. Auxiliary Herbs: Aster root, apricot kernel, and schisandra help relieve cough and asthma; cinnamon twig warms the yang; licorice harmonizes the formula.

Suitable for：Severe coughing and qi rushing upward caused by lung cold. Cough with large amounts of thin, white, frothy phlegm. Prominent cold symptoms like chills and absence of sweating.

Not suitable for：People with yin deficiency and internal heat: symptoms include hot palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, night sweats, etc. People with reckless movement of hot blood: those prone to bleeding. People with a hot constitution who easily suffer from excessive internal heat. Pregnant women and children: use cautiously under medical guidance. Those suffering from cold and fever of wind-heat type (sore throat, thick yellow phlegm).