San Ao Tang — Three-Unbinding Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Comparisons with related formulas
7. Cautions

Overview

San Ao Tang — the “Three-Unbinding Decoction” (sometimes “Three Crudities Decoction”) — is from the Song-dynasty Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (1078). It is a simplified version of Ma Huang Tang — just Ma Huang, Xing Ren and Gan Cao — and addresses Wind-Cold invading the Lung with cough and mild wheeze when the strong surface-releasing action of Ma Huang Tang is not needed.

The name “Three Unbindings” refers to using all three herbs in their unprocessed (crude) forms: Ma Huang with its nodes, Xing Ren with its tip skin, and unprepared Gan Cao. Each retains its full dispersing energy. The formula has been used for over 900 years for acute cough with wheeze.

I prescribe San Ao Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

San Ao Tang is prescribed for Wind-Cold invading the Lung:

• Acute onset cough — often after exposure to cold or wind
• Mild wheeze and chest oppression
• Itchy or scratchy throat
• Nasal congestion, slight runny nose
• Mild chills with little or no fever
• No or scanty sweating
• Tongue — thin white coat
• Pulse — floating, tight

Key herbs

1. Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica) — releases the surface and disperses Lung Qi
2. Xing Ren (apricot kernel) — descends Lung Qi and stops cough
3. Sheng Gan Cao (raw liquorice) — harmonises and soothes the throat

Formula actions

1. Releases the Wind-Cold exterior
2. Diffuses Lung Qi
3. Stops cough and wheeze

Conditions treated

1. Acute bronchitis with Wind-Cold pattern
2. Acute exacerbation of asthma from cold exposure (alongside conventional care) — see asthma
3. Common cold and flu with prominent cough
4. Cough-variant asthma from cold trigger
5. Hay fever with prominent cough
6. Croup in children (under specialist supervision)

Comparisons with related formulas

• Ma Huang Tang — adds Gui Zhi; for stronger Wind-Cold with whole-body aches and high fever.
• Xiao Qing Long Tang — for Wind-Cold with internal water-Phlegm and copious clear sputum.
• Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang — for Lung Heat cough with yellow phlegm; opposite indication.

Cautions

Contains Ma Huang (Ephedra). Not appropriate in pregnancy, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, cardiac arrhythmias, prostate enlargement or with MAO inhibitors. Always disclose to your medical team. Ephedra is restricted in some jurisdictions.

Not appropriate for Wind-Heat cough (yellow sputum, sore throat).

Not appropriate for Yin-deficient dry cough.

For short-term acute use only.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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