Ma Xing Yi Gan Tang (麻杏薏甘汤) — Ephedra, Apricot, Coix and Liquorice Decoction
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1. Overview
Ma Xing Yi Gan Tang (full name Ma Huang Xing Ren Yi Yi Ren Gan Cao Tang) is a classical four-herb formula from Zhang Zhongjing's Jin Gui Yao Lue (Han dynasty) that releases Wind-Damp from the exterior, descends Lung Qi and stops cough[10] with body aches. It is the smaller, Damp-resolving sibling of Ma Huang Tang — with Yi Yi Ren replacing Gui Zhi to address the Damp dimension. The classical indication is "Wind-Damp causing aches and fever, with afternoon aggravation".
2. Composition
| Herb | Role |
|---|---|
| Ma Huang | Chief — releases the exterior, disperses Lung Qi |
| Xing Ren | Deputy — descends Lung Qi, stops cough |
| Yi Yi Ren | Deputy — drains Damp |
| Gan Cao | Envoy — harmonises and supports Lung |
3. Indications
- Common cold with Damp-aggravated body aches and afternoon fever
- Post-viral cough with body aches
- Chronic cough with Wind-Damp pattern
- Mild asthma[13] with Damp obstruction
- Damp-pattern verrucas and warts (a unique modern indication)
4. How it works
The pairing of Ma Huang (releases exterior, disperses Lung) with Xing Ren (descends and stops cough) restores Lung Qi dynamic in both directions. Yi Yi Ren drains Damp through the urine, reducing the body aches and aiding clearance. Gan Cao protects the Stomach and harmonises.
5. Modern applications
Beyond cough, Ma Xing Yi Gan Tang has gained a modern reputation for treating plantar warts, verrucas and flat warts — given as a decoction or granules over 2-3 months with cure rates reported in Chinese case series. The mechanism in TCM terms is that warts are a Damp-pattern skin lesion; in biomedical terms, Yi Yi Ren has documented antiviral and immune-modulating effects.
6. Cautions
Contains Ma Huang — contraindicated in hypertension[19], hyperthyroidism[6], anxiety[4], insomnia[8] and pregnancy. Ma Huang is a controlled herb in the UK; preparations must be sourced through a registered Chinese herbalist and pharmacy. Not for prolonged use without supervision.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Ma Xing Yi Gan Tang as granules for selected cases of post-viral cough with body aches and for adult patients with verrucas, particularly those that have resisted topical treatment. Online Chinese herbal consultations are available. See prices for costs.
