State/School

Pacific College Comps

Pharm Name

Ephedrae Herba

Common Name

Ephedra Stem

Category

Warm, Acrid Herbs that Release the Exterior

Ingredients

Taste

Acrid, Slightly Bitter

Pao Zhi

Temperature

Warm

Action / Indication

1. Induces sweating and releases the exterior: for patterns of wind-cold exterior excess (greater yang cold damage) with chills, fever, headache, absence of sweating, and a tight, floating pulse. This herb is very effective in opening the pores and interstices to release the exterior.
2. Disseminates and facilitates the Lung qi, calms wheezing, and stops coughing: for cough and wheezing due to wind cold obstructing the Lungs. The herb both encourages the Lung qi to flow more easily, and directs it downward. It is important for treating either externally-contracted or internally-generated wheezing.
3. Promotes urination and reduces edema: especially for edema that accompanies an exterior condition.
4. Warms and disperses cold pathogens: useful for wind-damp painful obstruction and deep-rooted toxic sores without a head. 

Treatment Principles

Releases the Exterior
Scatters Cold
Ciculates Lung Qi
Stops Coughing/Wheezing
Stimulates Urination
Stimulates Perspiration
Reduces Edema

Contraindication

Contraindicated with yin deficiency fire, or yang rising. Contraindicated with cardiac gylcosides. Use caution with deficiency sweating (day or night), asthma from Kidney deficicency, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, prostate conditions, and pregnancy. May raise blood pressure or cause restlessness and insomnia if taken in excess. Do not take long-term.

Dosages

1.5-9g. 20-25 maximum. Decoct alone, and remove the foam from the pot. Then add the other herbs, and continue cooking. Use a high dose (10-15g) for edema. Use raw to provoke sweating. Honey-fry to moisten the Lungs. Use crushed Ma Huang Rong for a milder effect, and when treating children.

Meridians

LU, UB

Tom's Comment

Source

Formula Type