She Gan Ma Huang Tang: A Classic TCM Formula for Cough and Asthma Relief
- Hongji Medical
- Feb 21
- 3 min read
Updated: May 7
She Gan Ma Huang Tang is a revered prescription from Jin Kui Yao Lue, a section of Shang Han Za Bing Lun by the esteemed Eastern Han Dynasty physician Zhang Zhongjing.
This formula is designed to treat respiratory issues marked by “coughing, shortness of breath, and a water-chicken sound in the throat,” symptoms of cold-damp accumulation in the lungs.
By warming the lungs, clearing phlegm, and relieving adverse Qi, She Gan Ma Huang Tang restores respiratory function, making it a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for cold-induced cough and asthma.
Formula Composition of She Gan Ma Huang Tang
She Gan Ma Huang Tang combines multiple herbs, structured according to the TCM principle of “monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy”:
Monarch Herbs:
She Gan (Belamcanda Rhizome): Clears heat, detoxifies, and disperses phlegm to relieve throat congestion and cough.
Ma Huang (Ephedra): Promotes sweating, clears the lungs, and eases asthma by relieving wind-cold.
Minister Herbs:
Sheng Jiang (Ginger): Warms the body, dispels cold, and reduces nausea to support digestion and Qi flow.
Xi Xin (Asarum): Disperses cold, clears channels, and alleviates cough or nasal congestion.
Assistant Herbs:
Ban Xia (Pinellia): Dries dampness, resolves phlegm, and calms adverse Qi to ease cough and vomiting.
Zi Wan (Aster): Warms the lungs, relieves cough, and clears phlegm for smoother breathing.
Kuan Dong Hua (Coltsfoot): Moistens the lungs, reduces phlegm, and soothes cough and asthma.
Envoy Herbs:
Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra): Astringes lung Qi to prevent overuse of dispersing herbs from depleting lung energy.
Da Zao (Jujube): Nourishes the spleen, calms the mind, and harmonizes the formula with ginger.
This blend effectively warms the lungs, clears cold-damp phlegm, and restores normal Qi flow.
Pathogenesis: Understanding the Condition
She Gan Ma Huang Tang targets “cold-damp stagnation in the lungs,” where cold and dampness impair lung function, leading to phlegm buildup and Qi obstruction. This causes:
Cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
A distinctive “water-chicken” sound in the throat due to phlegm moving in the airways.
Chest tightness from blocked Qi and blood circulation.
Cold-damp accumulation disrupts the lungs’ ability to diffuse and descend Qi, resulting in upward-rushing Qi and respiratory distress. The formula warms the lungs, transforms dampness, and clears phlegm to restore normal lung function and relieve symptoms.
Therapeutic Effects of She Gan Ma Huang Tang
She Gan Ma Huang Tang offers multiple benefits:
Warming the Lungs: Ma Huang, ginger, and Xi Xin dispel cold to restore lung warmth and function.
Clearing Phlegm and Dampness: She Gan, Ban Xia, Zi Wan, and Kuan Dong Hua dissolve phlegm, easing throat congestion and respiratory symptoms.
Relieving Adverse Qi: The formula calms upward-rushing Qi, reducing cough, wheezing, and chest discomfort.
Supporting Lung Qi: Schisandra and jujube protect lung energy and harmonize the body’s Qi.
These actions make it highly effective for cold-induced respiratory issues with phlegm and Qi stagnation.
Modern Applications
Modern research highlights She Gan Ma Huang Tang’s antitussive, expectorant, and anti-asthmatic effects, attributed to increased respiratory secretions (diluting phlegm) and smooth muscle relaxation. It is widely used for:
Respiratory conditions like bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and pediatric pneumonia.
Cardiovascular issues, including hypertensive nephropathy, heart disease, and pericarditis, where phlegm and Qi stagnation play a role.
Its versatility makes it a valuable remedy for both acute and chronic respiratory and related conditions.
Precautions for Use
When using She Gan Ma Huang Tang, consider the following:
Constitution Suitability: Ideal for cold-damp, Yang-deficient patients. Avoid in cases of lung heat or damp-heat syndromes, as its warming nature may worsen symptoms.
Dosage Control: Adjust dosage (typically 6–12 grams of key herbs) based on the patient’s condition to prevent overuse, which may cause overstimulation.
Monitor Side Effects: Discontinue use and seek medical advice if discomfort, such as excessive sweating or irritation, occurs.
Medical Supervision: Consult a TCM practitioner to ensure proper syndrome differentiation and safe application.
Conclusion
She Gan Ma Huang Tang, rooted in Jin Kui Yao Lue, is a powerful TCM formula for relieving cough, asthma, and throat congestion caused by cold-damp stagnation in the lungs. Its carefully balanced herbs warm the lungs, clear phlegm, and regulate Qi, offering relief from respiratory distress.
Widely applied in modern medicine for bronchitis, asthma, and even cardiovascular issues, it remains a versatile remedy. With proper use under professional guidance, She Gan Ma Huang Tang provides a natural, effective solution for restoring lung health and easing breathing difficulties.
