Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Licorice, and Gypsum Decoction

傷寒論

After diaphoresis, one must not again use Gui Zhi Tang. For sweating and panting, without high fever, Ma Huang Xing Ren Gan Cao Shi Gao Tang may be given. (Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage))

Ephedra 4 liang, nodes removed; apricot kernels 50 pieces, skin and tips removed; licorice 2 liang, honey-fried; gypsum half jin, crushed, wrapped in silk. For the above four ingredients, use 7 sheng of water; decoct the ephedra until reduced by 2 sheng; remove the upper foam; add the other medicinals; decoct to obtain 2 sheng; remove the dregs; take 1 sheng warm. The original text says, Huang Er Bei. (Shang Han Za Bing Lun)

For the above four ingredients, use 7 sheng of water; decoct the ephedra until reduced by 2 sheng; remove the upper foam; add the other medicinals; decoct to obtain 2 sheng; remove the dregs. Take 1 sheng warm. (Modern usage: decoct in water and take warm.)

湯劑

Acrid-cool [medicinals] release the exterior, clear the lungs, and calm panting.

Pattern of externally contracted wind-cold with congested exuberant lung heat. Persistent generalized heat, severe panting and rebellious qi with rapid breathing, or flaring of the nasal alae, thirst, red tongue with thin yellow coating, floating, slippery, and rapid pulse.

Chronic interstitial pneumonia: add Wu Gong (Scolopendra): 6. -- Hair loss or shedding: add prepared He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum): 10, Tu Si Zi (Dodder seed): 10. -- Pediatric chronic cough, red tongue body with white greasy coating: add Chen Pi (aged tangerine peel): 6, Jiang Ban Xia (ginger-processed Pinellia): 10, Fu Ling (Poria): 10, Sang Bai Pi (white mulberry root bark): 10. -- Sore throat or difficult expectoration: add Jie Geng (Platycodon root): 10. -- Itchy skin: add Chan Tui (cicada slough): 1.5. -- Yellow, thick, or green sputum: add Yu Xing Cao (Houttuynia): 10, Huang Qin (Scutellaria): 10.

1. For wind-cold cough and wheezing with excessive phlegm-heat, this formula is not suitable. 2. If Ephedra is used at 15 g or more, it needs to be decocted for at least two hours. 3. Prescriptions containing Ephedra should not be taken after 8 p.m., otherwise it easily causes insomnia. If insomnia still occurs, change to taking it after breakfast and lunch. 4. Use with caution in those who are thin and weak, chronically ill and frail, or thin, pale, and prone to sweating.