Two Parts Cinnamon Twig and One Part Ephedra Decoction

傷寒論

After taking Gui Zhi Tang, if there is profuse sweating and a surging pulse, give Gui Zhi Tang as before. If the condition resembles malaria and occurs twice a day, sweating will necessarily resolve it; Gui Zhi Er Ma Huang Yi Tang is appropriate. (Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage))

Gui Zhi one liang and seventeen zhu, remove skin; Peony one liang and six zhu; Ephedra sixteen zhu, remove nodes; Fresh Ginger one liang and six zhu, sliced; Apricot Kernel sixteen pieces, remove tips and skin; Licorice one liang and two zhu, honey-fried; Jujube five pieces, split. The above seven ingredients: with five sheng of water, first boil Ephedra for one or two boils, remove the upper foam, add the other ingredients, boil down to two sheng, remove the dregs, take one sheng warm, twice a day. Originally it was said: two parts Gui Zhi Tang and one part Ma Huang Tang, combined to make two sheng, divided into two doses. Now they are combined as one formula; rest and care as in the previous method. (Shang Han Za Bing Lun)

Boil nine bowls of water down to three bowls. Gui Zhi: Add later, boil only 15 minutes. Take one warm bowl each after meals.

湯劑

Disperse evil in Ying and Wei. Slightly induce sweating in Ying and Wei.

After profuse sweating, the exterior is still unresolved, with cold and heat like malaria, and a floating, rapid pulse.

1. If Ma Huang is used at 15 g or more, it must be decocted for a long time, at least two hours. 2. Prescriptions containing Ma Huang should not be taken after 8 p.m., otherwise insomnia may easily occur. If insomnia still occurs after doing this, change to taking it after breakfast and lunch. 3. Those with a thin and weak body type, the frail and frequently ill, and those who are thin, pale, and sweat easily should all use Ma Huang with caution.