Mahuang Gancao Tang for Stopping Cough and Calming Wheezing

Mahuang Gancao Tang comes from the Shanghan Zongbing Lun. Its composition is: Mahuang (Ephedra), Xingren (Apricot kernel), Sangbaipi (Morus root bark), and Gancao (Licorice), each 2.5 qian (7.5 g). Decoct in water: use 600 ml of water and decoct down to about 200 ml. One dose daily; decoct each dose twice, and take the combined decoction warm in two divided doses.

This formula ventilates the lung and drains heat, and stops cough and calms wheezing. It mainly treats lung-heat cough and wheezing. If the patient has sore throat, add Shegan (Belamcanda) 7.5 g; if the pulse is rapid and fever is present, additionally take fresh bamboo sap oral liquid while using this formula. Today it is mainly used for viral pneumonia, community-acquired pneumonia, and bronchitis presenting with cough, wheezing, fatigue, and imaging showing pleural effusion. If the patient also has dry mouth, spontaneous sweating, or night sweats, add Digupi (Lycium bark) 7.5 g, Zhimu (Anemarrhena) 6 g, raw Shigao (Gypsum) 30 g (decoct first), and Huangbai (Phellodendron) 6 g. For severe pleural effusion, Wuling Capsules may be taken concurrently.

In this formula, Mahuang, Xingren, Sangbaipi, and Gancao all stop cough and calm wheezing; Mahuang and Sangbaipi also have a strong diuretic effect, providing good symptomatic and supportive treatment for respiratory infections accompanied by pleural effusion. Since COVID, many patients develop intractable coughs after colds that are difficult to treat; some show pleural effusion on imaging after a cold. For such patients, conventional ready-made cough-and-wheezing medicines work poorly, and a decoction is needed.

Since COVID, many people catch colds more easily than before; the colds are harder to resolve and easily progress to cardiopulmonary syndrome. Blood pressure and blood sugar are also higher than pre-COVID, possibly because the COVID virus has weakened human immunity. There is as yet no mature solution; we can only use symptomatic treatment to relieve symptoms. The affected people may need more time to adapt to the changes COVID has brought to their bodies. Meanwhile, those with this problem should maintain regular routines, avoid staying up late, not overexert themselves, and prevent severe colds.