（《本经》中品）
【释名】龙沙（《本经》）、卑相（《别录》）、卑盐（《别录》）。
时珍曰∶诸名殊不可解。或云其味麻，其色黄，未审然否？张揖《广雅》云∶龙沙，麻
黄也。狗骨，麻黄根也。不知何以分别如此？
【集解】《别录》曰∶麻黄生晋地及河东，立秋采茎，阴干令青。
弘景曰∶今出青州、彭城、荥阳、中牟者为胜，色青而多沫。蜀中亦有，不好。
恭曰∶郑州鹿台及关中沙苑河旁沙洲上最多，同州沙苑既多，其青、徐者亦不复用。
禹锡曰∶按段成式《酉阳杂俎》云∶麻黄茎头开花，花小而黄，丛生。子如覆盆子，可
食。
颂曰∶今近汴京多有之，以荥阳、中牟者为胜。春生苗，至夏五月则长及一尺以来。梢
上有黄花，结实如百合瓣而小，又似皂荚子，味甜，微有麻黄气，外皮红，里仁子黑。根紫
赤色。俗说有雌雄二种∶雌者于三月、四月内开花，六月结子。雄者无花，不结子。至立秋
后收茎阴干。
时珍曰∶其根皮色黄赤，长者近尺。
茎
【修治】弘景曰∶用之折去节根，水煮十余沸，以竹片掠去上沫，沫令人烦，根节能止
汗故也。
【气味】苦，温，无毒。《别录》
曰∶微温。普曰∶神农、雷公∶苦，无毒；扁鹊∶酸；李当之∶平。权曰∶甘，平。
元素曰∶性温，味苦而甘辛，气味俱薄，轻清而浮，阳也，升也。手太阴之药，入足太阳经，
兼走手少阴、阳明。
时珍曰∶麻黄微苦而辛，性热而轻扬。僧继洪云∶中牟有麻黄之地，冬不积雪，为泄内
阳也。故过用则泄真气。观此则性热可知矣。服麻黄自汗不止者，以冷水浸头发，仍用扑法
即止。凡服麻黄药，须避风一日，不尔病复作也。凡用须佐以黄芩，
之才曰∶浓朴、白薇为之使。恶辛夷、石苇。
【主治】中风伤寒头痛，温疟，发表出汗，去邪热气，止咳逆上气，除寒热，破症坚积
聚
赤黑斑毒。不可多服，令人虚（《别录》）。治身上毒风 痹，皮肉不仁，主壮热温疫，山岚
瘴气（甄权）。通九窍，调血脉，开毛孔皮肤（大明）。去营中寒邪，泄卫中风热（元素）。
散赤目肿痛，水肿风肿，产后血滞（时珍）。
【发明】弘景曰∶麻黄疗伤寒，解肌第一药。
颂曰∶张仲景治伤寒，有麻黄汤及葛根汤、大小青龙汤，皆用麻黄。治肺痿上气，有射
干麻黄汤、浓朴麻黄汤，皆大方也。
杲曰∶轻可去实，麻黄、葛根之属是也。六淫有余之邪，客于阳分皮毛之间，腠理闭拒，
营卫气血不行，故谓之实。二药轻清成象，故可去之。麻黄微苦，其形中空，阴中之阳，入
足太阳寒水之经。其经循背下行，本寒而又受外寒，故宜发汗，去皮毛气分寒邪，以泄表实。
若过发则汗多亡阳，或饮食劳倦及杂病自汗表虚之证用之，则脱人元气，不可不禁。
好古曰∶麻黄治卫实之药，桂枝治卫虚之药，二物虽为太阳证药，其实营卫药也。心主
营为血，肺主卫为气。故麻黄为手太阴肺之剂，桂枝为手少阴心之剂。伤寒伤风而咳嗽，用
麻黄、桂枝，即汤液之源也。
时珍曰∶麻黄乃肺经专药，故治肺病多用之。张仲景治伤寒无汗用麻黄，有汗用桂枝。
历代明医解释，皆随文傅会，未有究其精微者。时珍常绎思之，似有一得，与昔人所解不同
云。津液为汗，汗即血也。在营则为血，在卫则为汗。夫寒伤营，营血内涩，不能外通于卫，
卫气闭固，津液不行，故无汗发热而憎寒。夫风伤卫，卫气外泄，不能内护于营，营气虚弱，
津液不固，故有汗发热而恶风。然风寒之邪，皆由皮毛而入。皮毛者，肺之合也。肺主卫气，
包罗一身，天之象也。是证虽属乎太阳，而肺实受邪气。其证时兼面赤怫郁，咳嗽有痰，喘
而胸满诸证者，非肺病乎？盖皮毛外闭，则邪热内攻，而肺气 郁。故用麻黄、甘
引出营分之邪，达之肌表，佐以杏仁泄肺而利气。汗后无大热而喘者，加以石膏。朱肱《活
人书》，夏至后加石膏、知母，皆是泄肺火之药。是则麻黄汤虽太阳发汗重剂，实为发散肺
经火郁之药也。腠理不密，则津液外泄，而肺气自虚。虚则补其母。故用桂枝同甘草，外散
风邪以救表，内伐肝木以防脾。佐以芍药，泄木而固脾，泄东所以补西也。使以姜枣，行脾
之津液而和营卫也。下后微喘者加浓朴、杏仁，以利肺气也。汗后脉沉迟者加人参，以益肺
气也。朱肱加黄芩为阳旦汤，以泻肺热也。皆是脾肺之药。是则桂枝虽太阳解肌轻剂，实为
理脾救肺之药也。此千古未发之秘旨，愚因表而出之。又少阴病发热脉沉，有麻黄附子细辛
汤、麻黄附子甘草汤。少阴与太阳为表里，乃赵嗣真所谓熟附配麻黄，补中有发也。一锦衣
夏月饮酒达旦，病水泄，数日不止，水谷直出。服分利消导升提诸药则反剧。时珍诊之，脉
浮而缓，大肠下弩，复发痔血。此因肉食生冷茶水过杂，抑遏阳气在下，木盛土衰，《素问》
所谓久风成飧泄也。法当升之扬之。遂以小续命汤投之，一服而愈。昔仲景治伤寒六七日，
大下后，脉沉迟，手足厥逆，咽喉不利，唾脓血，泄利不止者，用麻黄汤平其肝肺，兼升发
之，即斯理也。神而明之，此类是矣。
【附方】旧五，新七。
天行热病，初起一二日者∶麻黄一大两（去节）。以水四升煮，去沫，取二升，去滓，
着
米一匙及豉，为稀粥。先以汤浴后，乃食粥，浓覆取汗，即愈。（孟诜《必效方》）
麻黄十斤（去节），杏仁四升（去皮，熬），大黄一斤十三两。先以雪水五石四斗，渍麻黄于
东
向灶釜中。三宿后，纳大黄搅匀，桑薪煮至二石，去滓。纳杏仁同煮至六七斗，绞去滓，置
铜器中。更以雪水三斗，合煎令得二斗四升，药成，丸如弹子大。有病者以沸白汤五合，研
一丸服之，立汗出。不愈，再服一丸。封药勿令泄气。（《千金方》）
黄醇酒汤主之∶麻黄一把（去节绵裹）。美酒五升，煮取半升，顿服取小汗。春月用水煮。（《
千金方》）
里水黄肿∶张仲景云∶一身面目黄肿，其脉沉，小便不利，甘草麻黄汤主之。麻黄四两
（水五升，煮去沫），入甘草二两，煮取三升。每服一升，重复汗出。不汗再服。慎风寒。《千
金》云∶有患气虚久不瘥，变成水病，从腰以上肿者，宜此发其汗。水肿脉沉属少阴，其脉
浮者为风，虚胀者为气，皆非水也。
麻黄附子汤汗之∶麻黄三两（水七升，煮去沫），入甘草二两，附子（炮）一枚。煮取
二升
半，每服八分，日三服，取汗。（张仲景《金匮要略》）
风痹冷痛∶麻黄（去根）五两，桂心二两，为末，酒二升，慢火熬如饧。每服一匙，热
酒
调下，至汗出为度。避风。（《圣惠方》）小儿慢脾风，因吐泄后而成∶麻黄（长五寸）十个
（去
节），白术（指面大）二块，全蝎二个（生薄荷叶包煨）。为末。二岁以下一字，三岁以上半
钱，
薄荷汤下。（《圣惠方》）
尸咽痛痹，语声不出∶麻黄以青布裹，烧烟筒中熏之。（《圣惠方》）
产后腹痛及血下不尽∶麻黄去节，为末。酒服方寸匕，一日二、三服，血下尽，即止。
（《子母秘录》）
心下悸病∶半夏麻黄丸∶用半夏、麻黄等分，末之，炼蜜丸小豆大。每饮服三丸，日三
服。（《金匮要略》）
痘疮倒 ∶寇宗 曰∶郑州麻黄（去节）半两，以蜜一匙同炒良久，以水半升煎数沸，
去
沫再煎去三分之一，去滓乘热服之。避风，其疮复出也。一法∶用无灰酒煎，其效更速。仙
源县笔工李用之子，病斑疮风寒倒 已困，用此一服便出，如神。
中风诸病∶麻黄一秤（去根），以王相日、乙卯日，取东流水三石三斗，以净铛盛五、
七
斗，先煮五沸，掠去沫，逐旋添水，尽至三、五斗，漉去麻黄，澄定，滤去滓，取清再熬至
一斗，再澄再滤，取汁再熬，至升半为度，密封收之，一、二年不妨。每服一、二匙，热汤
化下取汗。熬时要勤搅，勿令着底，恐焦了。仍忌鸡犬阴人见之。此刘守真秘方也。（《宣
明方
根节
【气味】甘，平，无毒。
【主治】止汗，夏月杂粉扑之（弘景）。
【发明】权曰∶麻黄根节止汗，以故竹扇杵末同扑之。又牡蛎粉、粟粉并麻黄根等分，
为末，生绢袋盛贮。盗汗出，即扑，手摩之。
时珍曰∶麻黄发汗之气驶不能御，而根节止汗效如影响，物理之妙，不可测度如此。自
汗有风湿、伤风、风温、气虚、血虚、脾虚、阴虚、胃热、痰饮、中暑、亡阳、柔 诸证，
皆可随证加而用之。当归六黄汤加麻黄根，治盗汗尤捷。盖其性能行周身肌表，故能引诸药
外至卫分而固腠理也。本草但知扑之之法，而不知服饵之功尤良也。
【附方】新入。
盗汗阴汗∶麻黄根、牡蛎粉为末，扑之。
盗汁不止∶麻黄根、椒目等分，为末。每服一钱，无灰酒下。外以麻黄根、故蒲扇为末，
扑
小儿盗汗∶麻黄根三分，故蒲扇灰一分，为末。以乳服三分，日三服。仍以干姜三分同
为末，三分扑之。（《古今录验》）
诸虚自汗，夜卧即甚，久则枯瘦∶黄 、麻黄根各一两，牡蛎米泔浸洗 过，为散。每
服五钱，水二盏，小麦百粒，煎服。（《和济局方》）
虚汗无度∶麻黄根、黄 等分，为末，飞面糊作丸梧子大。每用浮麦汤下百丸，以止为
度。（《谈野翁试验方》）
产后虚汗∶黄 、当归各一两，麻黄根二两。每服一两，煎汤下。
劳热∶麻黄根、石硫黄各一两，米粉一合。为末。敷之。（《千金方》）
内外障翳∶麻黄根一两，当归身一钱。同炒黑色，入麝香少许，为末。搐鼻，频用。此
南京相国寺东黑孩儿方也。（《普济》）
【附录】云花草
时珍曰∶按葛洪《肘后方》治马疥，有云花草，云状如麻黄，而中坚
（收录于《神农本草经》中品）
【释名】龙沙（出自《神农本草经》）、卑相（出自《名医别录》）、卑盐（出自《名医别录》）。
李时珍说：这些名字都很难解释。有人说因为它味道麻、颜色黄，不知是否如此？张揖在《广雅》中说：龙沙就是麻黄。狗骨是麻黄的根。不知道为什么会这样区分？
【集解】《名医别录》说：麻黄生长在晋地及河东地区，立秋时采集茎部，阴干至青色。
陶弘景说：现在出产于青州、彭城、荥阳、中牟的麻黄品质最好，颜色青且多泡沫。蜀地也有，但不好。
苏恭说：郑州鹿台以及关中沙苑河边的沙洲上最多，同州沙苑既然产量多，那么青州、徐州产的就不再使用了。
禹锡说：根据段成式《酉阳杂俎》记载：麻黄茎头开花，花小而黄，丛生。果实像覆盆子，可以吃。
苏颂说：现在靠近汴京的地方有很多，以荥阳、中牟产的最好。春天生苗，到夏天五月时长到一尺左右。梢上有黄花，结的果实像百合瓣但较小，又似皂荚子，味道甜，微有麻黄气味，外皮红，里面的仁子黑。根呈紫红色。民间传说有雌雄两种：雌的在三四月开花，六月结子。雄的不花不结果。等到立秋后收取茎部阴干。
李时珍说：它的根皮色黄赤，长的接近一尺。
茎
【修治】陶弘景说：使用时折断去掉节和根，用水煮十几沸，用竹片撇去上面的泡沫，泡沫会让人心烦，因为根节能止汗的缘故。
【气味】苦，温，无毒。《名医别录》说：微温。普曰：神农、雷公认为：苦，无毒；扁鹊认为：酸；李当之认为：平。徐之才说：甘，平。张元素说：性温，味苦而甘辛，气味都很淡薄，轻清上浮，属阳，主升。是手太阴肺经的药，入足太阳膀胱经，兼走手少阴心经、手阳明大肠经。
李时珍说：麻黄微苦而辛，性热而轻扬。僧继洪说：中牟有麻黄生长的地方，冬天不积雪，是因为它泄内阳的缘故。所以过量使用会泄真气。看这一点就可以知道它性热了。服用麻黄导致自汗不止的，用冷水浸头发，再用扑粉法即可停止。凡是服用麻黄药，必须避风一天，否则病会复发。凡是用麻黄，须佐以黄芩。
徐之才说：厚朴、白薇是它的使药。畏恶辛夷、石苇。
【主治】中风伤寒头痛，温疟，发表出汗，去除邪热气，止咳逆上气，除寒热，破症坚积聚，赤黑斑毒。不可多服，令人虚弱（《名医别录》）。治疗身上毒风湿痹，皮肉麻木不仁，主治壮热温疫，山岚瘴气（甄权）。通九窍，调血脉，开毛孔皮肤（马志宁）。去除营分中的寒邪，发散卫分的风热（张元素）。散赤目肿痛，水肿风肿，产后血滞（李时珍）。
【发明】陶弘景说：麻黄治疗伤寒，是解肌的第一药。
苏颂说：张仲景治疗伤寒，有麻黄汤及葛根汤、大青龙汤、小青龙汤，都用麻黄。治疗肺痿上气，有射干麻黄汤、厚朴麻黄汤，都是大方剂。
李杲说：轻可去实，麻黄、葛根这类药就是。六淫有余之邪，客居在阳分皮毛之间，腠理闭拒，营卫气血不行，所以称为实。这两味药轻清成形，所以可以去除此邪。麻黄微苦，其形中空，是阴中之阳，入足太阳寒水之经。该经循背下行，本寒而又受外寒，所以宜发汗，去皮毛气分寒邪，以泄表实。如果发汗过多则汗多亡阳，或者饮食劳倦及杂病自汗表虚的证候用了它，则会耗脱人的元气，不可不谨慎。
王好古说：麻黄是治疗卫分实的药，桂枝是治疗卫分虚的药，这两味药虽然是为太阳证用药，其实是营卫药。心主营为血，肺主卫为气。所以麻黄是手太阴肺经的药剂，桂枝是手少阴心经的药剂。伤寒伤风而咳嗽，用麻黄、桂枝，这就是汤液的源头。
李时珍说：麻黄是肺经专药，所以治疗肺病多用它。张仲景治疗伤寒无汗用麻黄，有汗用桂枝。历代名医解释，都是随文附会，没有探究其精微之处。李时珍常常思考，似乎有一点心得，与古人解释不同。津液化为汗，汗即血也。在营则为血，在卫则为汗。寒伤营，营血内涩，不能外通于卫，卫气闭固，津液不行，所以无汗发热而憎寒。风伤卫，卫气外泄，不能内护于营，营气虚弱，津液不固，所以有汗发热而恶风。然而风寒之邪，皆由皮毛而入。皮毛者，是肺之合。肺主卫气，包罗一身，象天一样。这个证候虽然属于太阳，但肺实际上受了邪气。这个证候时常兼见面赤怫郁，咳嗽有痰，喘而胸满诸证，这不是肺病吗？大概皮毛外闭，则邪热内攻，而肺气郁结。所以用麻黄、甘草引出营分之邪，达之肌表，佐以杏仁泄肺而利气。汗后无大热而喘的，加上石膏。朱肱《活人书》，夏至后加石膏、知母，都是泄肺火的药。这样看来，麻黄汤虽然是太阳发汗重剂，实为发散肺经火郁的药。腠理不密，则津液外泄，而肺气自虚。虚则补其母。所以用桂枝同甘草，外散风邪以救表，内伐肝木以防脾。佐以芍药，泄木而固脾，泄东所以补西也。使以姜枣，行脾之津液而和营卫也。下后微喘的加厚朴、杏仁，以利肺气。汗后脉沉迟的加人参，以益肺气。朱肱加黄芩为阳旦汤，以泻肺热。这些都是脾肺的药。这样看来，桂枝虽是太阳解肌轻剂，实为理脾救肺的药。这是千古未发的秘旨，我因此表白出来。另外少阴病发热脉沉，有麻黄附子细辛汤、麻黄附子甘草汤。少阴与太阳为表里，是赵嗣真所谓熟附配麻黄，补中有发。有一个锦衣卫夏天饮酒到天亮，患水泄，数日不止，水谷直出。服用分利消导升提各种药反而加重。李时珍诊察，脉浮而缓，大肠下努，复发痔血。这是因为肉食生冷茶水过杂，抑遏阳气在下，木盛土衰，《素问》所谓久风成飧泄。治法应当升之扬之。于是用小续命汤投之，一服而愈。以前张仲景治疗伤寒六七天，大下后，脉沉迟，手足厥逆，咽喉不利，唾脓血，泄利不止的，用麻黄汤平其肝肺，兼升发之，就是这个道理。神而明之，此类是矣。
【附方】旧方五首，新方七首。
天行热病，初起一二日的：麻黄一大两（去节）。用水四升煮，去沫，取二升，去滓，加粳米一匙及豉，做成稀粥。先以汤浴后，再吃粥，厚盖取汗，即愈。（孟诜《必效方》）
麻黄十斤（去节），杏仁四升（去皮，炒），大黄一斤十三两。先用雪水五石四斗，将麻黄浸泡在东向灶釜中。三宿后，纳入大黄搅匀，用桑薪煮至二石，去滓。纳入杏仁同煮至六七斗，绞去滓，置铜器中。再用雪水三斗，合煎令得二斗四升，药成，丸如弹子大。有病者用沸白汤五合，研一丸服之，立汗出。不愈，再服一丸。封药勿令泄气。（《千金方》）
黄醇酒汤主之：麻黄一把（去节绵裹）。美酒五升，煮取半升，顿服取小汗。春月用水煮。（《千金方》）
里水黄肿：张仲景说：一身面目黄肿，其脉沉，小便不利，甘草麻黄汤主之。麻黄四两（水五升，煮去沫），入甘草二两，煮取三升。每服一升，重复汗出。不汗再服。慎风寒。《千金》说：有患气虚久不瘥，变成水病，从腰以上肿的，宜此发其汗。水肿脉沉属少阴，其脉浮者为风，虚胀者为气，皆非水也。
麻黄附子汤汗之：麻黄三两（水七升，煮去沫），入甘草二两，附子（炮）一枚。煮取二升半，每服八分，日三服，取汗。（张仲景《金匮要略》）
风痹冷痛：麻黄（去根）五两，桂心二两，为末，酒二升，慢火熬如饧。每服一匙，热酒调下，至汗出为度。避风。（《圣惠方》）小儿慢脾风，因吐泄后而成：麻黄（长五寸）十个（去节），白术（指面大）二块，全蝎二个（生薄荷叶包煨）。为末。二岁以下一字，三岁以上半钱，薄荷汤下。（《圣惠方》）
尸咽痛痹，语声不出：麻黄以青布裹，烧烟筒中熏之。（《圣惠方》）
产后腹痛及血下不尽：麻黄去节，为末。酒服方寸匕，一日二、三服，血下尽，即止。（《子母秘录》）
心下悸病：半夏麻黄丸：用半夏、麻黄等分，末之，炼蜜丸小豆大。每饮服三丸，日三服。（《金匮要略》）
痘疮倒靥：寇宗奭说：郑州麻黄（去节）半两，以蜜一匙同炒良久，以水半升煎数沸，去沫再煎去三分之一，去滓乘热服之。避风，其疮复出也。一法：用无灰酒煎，其效更速。仙源县笔工李用之子，病斑疮风寒倒靥已困，用此一服便出，如神。
中风诸病：麻黄一秤（去根），以王相日、乙卯日，取东流水三石三斗，以净铛盛五、七斗，先煮五沸，掠去沫，逐旋添水，尽至三、五斗，漉去麻黄，澄定，滤去滓，取清再熬至一斗，再澄再滤，取汁再熬，至升半为度，密封收之，一、二年不妨。每服一、二匙，热汤化下取汗。熬时要勤搅，勿令着底，恐焦了。仍忌鸡犬阴人见之。此刘守真秘方也。（《宣明方论》）
根节
【气味】甘，平，无毒。
【发明】甄权说：麻黄根节止汗，以故竹扇杵末同扑之。又牡蛎粉、粟粉并麻黄根等分，为末，生绢袋盛贮。盗汗出，即扑，手摩之。
李时珍说：麻黄发汗之气驶不能御，而根节止汗效如影响，物理之妙，不可测度如此。自汗有风湿、伤风、风温、气虚、血虚、脾虚、阴虚、胃热、痰饮、中暑、亡阳、柔痉诸证，皆可随证加而用之。当归六黄汤加麻黄根，治盗汗尤捷。盖其性能行周身肌表，故能引诸药外至卫分而固腠理也。本草但知扑之之法，而不知服饵之功尤良也。
【附方】新入。
盗汗阴汗：麻黄根、牡蛎粉为末，扑之。
盗汁不止：麻黄根、椒目等分，为末。每服一钱，无灰酒下。外以麻黄根、故蒲扇为末，扑之。
小儿盗汗：麻黄根三分，故蒲扇灰一分，为末。以乳服三分，日三服。仍以干姜三分同为末，三分扑之。（《古今录验》）
诸虚自汗，夜卧即甚，久则枯瘦：黄芪、麻黄根各一两，牡蛎米泔浸洗过，为散。每服五钱，水二盏，小麦百粒，煎服。（《和济局方》）
虚汗无度：麻黄根、黄芪等分，为末，飞面糊作丸梧子大。每用浮麦汤下百丸，以止为度。（《谈野翁试验方》）
产后虚汗：黄芪、当归各一两，麻黄根二两。每服一两，煎汤下。
劳热：麻黄根、石硫黄各一两，米粉一合。为末。敷之。（《千金方》）
内外障翳：麻黄根一两，当归身一钱。同炒黑色，入麝香少许，为末。搐鼻，频用。此南京相国寺东黑孩儿方也。（《普济方》）
(Recorded in the Middle Category of *Shennong Bencao Jing*)
**[Names]** Longsha (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*), Beixiang (from *Mingyi Bielu*), Beiyán (from *Mingyi Bielu*).
Li Shizhen said: These names are difficult to explain. Some say it is because its taste is numbing and its color is yellow, but it is uncertain if this is true. Zhang Yi in *Guangya* stated: Longsha is Mahuang (*Ephedrae Herba*). Gougu is the root of Mahuang. It is unknown why they are distinguished in this manner.
**[Collection and Explanation]** *Mingyi Bielu* states: Mahuang grows in Jin region and Hedong. The stems should be harvested at Start of Autumn and dried in the shade until green.
Tao Hongjing said: Those produced in Qingzhou, Pengcheng, Xingyang, and Zhongmu are superior, being green and foamy. There is also some in Shu, but it is not good.
Su Gong said: There are the most in Lutai of Zhengzhou and the sandy islets along the river in Shayuan of Guanzhong. Since there is plenty in Tongzhou Shayuan, those from Qingzhou and Xuzhou are no longer used.
Yu Xi said: According to Duan Chengshi's *Youyang Zazu*: Mahuang flowers at the tips of its stems; the flowers are small and yellow, growing in clusters. The fruit resembles a raspberry and is edible.
Su Song said: It is now abundant near Bianjing, with those from Xingyang and Zhongmu being the best. Sprouts emerge in spring; by the fifth month of summer, they grow to about one chi in height. Yellow flowers appear at the tips, and the fruits resemble lily petals but are smaller, similar to soap bean pods. They taste sweet, have a slight Mahuang aroma, red outer skin, and black inner seeds. The roots are purple-red. Folklore says there are male and female varieties: females flower in the third and fourth months and bear fruit in the sixth month; males do not flower or bear fruit. Stems are harvested after Start of Autumn and dried in the shade.
Li Shizhen said: The root bark is yellowish-red, and long ones approach one chi in length.
**Stem**
**[Processing]** Tao Hongjing said: When using, break off the nodes and roots. Boil in water for more than ten boils, skim off the foam on the surface with a bamboo strip. The foam causes irritability because the nodes and roots stop sweating.
**[Flavor and Properties]** Bitter, warm, non-toxic. *Mingyi Bielu* states: Slightly warm. Pu said: Shennong and Leigong considered it bitter and non-toxic; Bian Que considered it sour; Li Dangzhi considered it neutral. Xu Zhicai said: Sweet, neutral. Zhang Yuansu said: Warm in nature, bitter yet sweet and pungent in flavor. The qi and flavor are both thin, light, clear, and floating; it belongs to Yang and ascends. It is a herb for the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian, enters the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, and also travels through the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian and Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian.
Li Shizhen said: Mahuang is slightly bitter and pungent, hot in nature, and light and uplifting. Monk Jihong said: In Zhongmu, where Mahuang grows, snow does not accumulate in winter because it drains internal Yang. Therefore, excessive use drains true Qi. From this, its hot nature can be known. For those who experience continuous spontaneous sweating after taking Mahuang, soaking the hair in cold water and applying powder will stop it. When taking Mahuang preparations, one must avoid wind for one day; otherwise, the illness may recur. Whenever using Mahuang, it should be combined with Huangqin (*Scutellariae Radix*).
Xu Zhicai said: Houpo (*Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex*) and Baiwei (*Clematidis Radix*) act as its guiding herbs. It is incompatible with Xin yi (*Magnoliae Flos*) and Shi wei (*Pyrrosiae Folium*).
**[Indications]** Wind-stroke, Shanghan (Cold Damage) headache, Wenre (Warm Febrile Disease), releasing the exterior and inducing sweating, eliminating pathogenic heat, stopping cough and rebellious Qi, removing chills and fever, breaking up masses and accumulations, treating red-black spots and toxins. Do not take in large amounts as it causes deficiency (*Mingyi Bielu*). Treats toxic wind-damp bi-syndrome on the body, insensitivity of skin and flesh, main indications for high fever and epidemic diseases, mountain miasma (Zhen Quan). Opens the nine orifices, regulates blood vessels, opens pores and skin (Ma Zhi Ning). Removes cold pathogens from the Ying (Nutrient) level, disperses wind-heat from the Wei (Defensive) level (Zhang Yuansu). Disperses red eyes and swelling, edema and wind-swelling, postpartum blood stasis (Li Shizhen).
**[Elucidation]** Tao Hongjing said: Mahuang treats Shanghan; it is the primary herb for resolving the muscle layer.
Su Song said: Zhang Zhongjing treated Shanghan with Mahuang Tang, Gegen Tang, Da Qinglong Tang, and Xiao Qinglong Tang, all using Mahuang. For treating lung wasting with rebellious Qi, she used Shegan Mahuang Tang and Houpo Mahuang Tang, both major formulas.
Li Gao said: Light herbs can remove excess; Mahuang and Gegen belong to this category. Excess pathogens of the Six Evils lodge between the Yang level and skin/hair, closing the couli (pores), blocking Ying and Wei Qi and Blood circulation, thus termed "excess." These two herbs are light and clear in form, so they can remove this pathogen. Mahuang is slightly bitter and hollow in shape, representing Yang within Yin. It enters the Foot-Taiyang Water Meridian. This meridian runs down the back; since it is inherently cold and receives external cold, it is suitable for inducing sweating to expel cold pathogens from the skin and Qi level, thereby relieving exterior excess. If sweating is induced excessively, sweat loss leads to Yang collapse. Using it for conditions like dietary fatigue, chronic disease spontaneous sweating, or exterior deficiency would deplete original Qi, so caution is required.
Wang Haogu said: Mahuang treats Wei-level excess; Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) treats Wei-level deficiency. Although both are used for Taiyang syndrome, they actually regulate Ying and Wei. The Heart governs Ying as Blood; the Lung governs Wei as Qi. Thus, Mahuang is a formula for the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian, while Guizhi is for the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian. For Shanghan or wind-strike with cough, using Mahuang and Guizhi constitutes the source of decoctions.
Li Shizhen said: Mahuang is a specific herb for the Lung Meridian, hence widely used for lung diseases. Zhang Zhongjing used Mahuang for Shanghan without sweating and Guizhi for those with sweating. Past famous physicians explained this merely by following the text, without investigating its essence. Li Shizhen often pondered this and seems to have gained insight different from previous explanations. Body fluids transform into sweat; sweat is essentially blood. Within Ying, it is blood; within Wei, it is sweat. Cold injures Ying, causing stagnation of Ying blood internally, preventing connection to Wei. Wei Qi becomes closed and solid, body fluids fail to circulate, resulting in no sweating, fever, and aversion to cold. Wind injures Wei, causing leakage of Wei Qi externally, failing to protect Ying internally. Ying Qi becomes weak, body fluids are not secured, resulting in sweating, fever, and aversion to wind. However, wind-cold pathogens enter via the skin and hair. Skin and hair are the exterior correspondence of the Lung. The Lung governs Wei Qi, encompassing the whole body, resembling Heaven. Although this syndrome belongs to Taiyang, the Lung actually receives the pathogen. Symptoms often include red face, oppression, cough with phlegm, wheezing, and chest fullness—are these not lung diseases? Generally, when the exterior is closed, pathogenic heat attacks inward, causing Lung Qi stagnation. Therefore, Mahuang and Gancao (Licorice) are used to draw out Ying-level pathogens to the muscle surface, assisted by Xingren (Apricot Seed) to drain the Lung and benefit Qi. If wheezing persists without high fever after sweating, Shigao (Gypsum) is added. Zhu Gong's *Huo Ren Shu* advises adding Shigao and Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) after Summer Solstice; these are herbs that drain Lung fire. Thus, although Mahuang Tang is a heavy sweating agent for Taiyang, it is实质上 (substantially) a herb to disperse Lung Fire stagnation. When couli are not tight, body fluids leak outward, and Lung Qi becomes deficient. Deficiency requires tonifying the mother (Earth generates Metal). Therefore, Guizhi combined with Gancao disperses wind pathogens externally to rescue the exterior and suppresses Liver Wood internally to protect the Spleen. Assisted by Shaoyao (Peony Root) to drain Wood and secure the Spleen, draining the East to supplement the West. Guided by Jiang (Ginger) and Zao (Jujube) to move Spleen fluids and harmonize Ying and Wei. After purgation, if mild wheezing occurs, add Houpo and Xingren to benefit Lung Qi. After sweating, if the pulse is deep and slow, add Renshen (Ginseng) to benefit Lung Qi. Zhu Gong added Huangqin to create Yangdan Tang to drain Lung heat. All these are herbs for the Spleen and Lung. Thus, although Guizhi is a light agent for resolving the muscle layer in Taiyang, it is substantially a herb for regulating the Spleen and rescuing the Lung. This is a secret principle unexplored for millennia, which I hereby reveal. Additionally, for Shaoyin syndrome with fever and deep pulse, there are Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang and Mahuang Fuzi Gancao Tang. Shaoyin and Taiyang are interior-exterior pairs. As Zhao Sizhen stated, prepared Fuzi combined with Mahuang represents tonification with release. A gentleman of the Imperial Guard drank alcohol until dawn in summer and suffered from watery diarrhea lasting several days, with food and water passing directly through. Taking diuretics, digestive aids, and lifting agents worsened the condition. Li Shizhen diagnosed a floating and slow pulse, straining of the large intestine, and recurrent hemorrhoids. This was due to excessive mixed consumption of meat, raw/cold foods, and tea, suppressing Yang Qi in the lower jiao, leading to Wood excess and Earth deficiency. As stated in *Suwen*, chronic wind becomes undigested stool diarrhea. The treatment method should be to lift and raise. He administered Xiao Xuming Tang, and he recovered after one dose. Previously, Zhang Zhongjing treated Shanghan after six or seven days and severe purgation, presenting with deep and slow pulse, cold limbs, throat discomfort, spitting pus and blood, and uncontrollable diarrhea, using Mahuang Tang to calm Liver and Lung and promote rising and dispersing. This illustrates the same principle. Divine understanding applies to such cases.
**[Attached Formulas]** Five old formulas, seven new formulas.
For Tianxing (epidemic) febrile disease, in the first one or two days: Take 1 liang of Mahuang (remove nodes). Boil in 4 sheng of water, remove foam, reduce to 2 sheng, strain. Add 1 spoon of rice and Dou (soybeans) to make a thin porridge. Bathe with herbal soup first, then eat the porridge, cover thickly to induce sweating, and recover. (Meng Shen *Bixiao Fang*)
Take 10 jin of Mahuang (remove nodes), 4 sheng of Xingren (remove skin, stir-fry), 1 jin 13 liang of Dahuang (Rhubarb). Soak Mahuang in 5 dan 4 dou of snow water in an east-facing stove pot for three nights. Add Dahuang, stir evenly, boil with mulberry wood fuel until reduced to 2 dan, strain. Add Xingren, boil until reduced to 6-7 dou, strain, place in a copper vessel. Add 3 dou of snow water, boil together to obtain 2 dan 4 sheng. Make pills the size of bullet seeds. For patients, dissolve one pill in 5 he of boiling white water and take; sweating will occur immediately. If not cured, take another pill. Seal the medicine to prevent gas leakage. (*Qianjin Fang*)
Huang Chunjiu Tang: Take 1 bundle of Mahuang (remove nodes, wrap in cotton). Boil in 5 sheng of fine wine until reduced to half a sheng. Take in one dose to induce slight sweating. Use water for boiling in spring. (*Qianjin Fang*)
Internal Water Yellow Swelling: Zhang Zhongjing said: Whole body and face yellow swelling, deep pulse, difficulty urinating, treat with Gancao Mahuang Tang. Take 4 liang of Mahuang (boil in 5 sheng water, remove foam), add 2 liang of Gancao, boil to obtain 3 sheng. Take 1 sheng per dose, repeat until sweating occurs. If no sweat, take again. Avoid wind and cold. *Qianjin* says: For patients with chronic Qi deficiency turning into water disease, swelling above the waist, this formula induces sweating. Deep pulse in edema belongs to Shaoyin; floating pulse indicates wind; distension due to deficiency indicates Qi, neither of which is water.
Mahuang Fuzi Tang induces sweating: Take 3 liang of Mahuang (boil in 7 sheng water, remove foam), add 2 liang of Gancao, 1 Pao Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root). Boil to obtain 2.5 sheng. Take 8 fen per dose, three times a day, to induce sweating. (Zhang Zhongjing *Jingui Yaolue*)
Wind-Bi Cold Pain: Take 5 liang of Mahuang (remove roots), 2 liang of Guixin (Cinnamon Bark), grind to powder. Boil in 2 sheng of wine slowly until like syrup. Take one spoon per dose, mixed with hot wine, until sweating occurs. Avoid wind. (*Shenghui Fang*) Pediatric Slow Spleen Wind, caused after vomiting/diarrhea: Take 10 Mahuang (5 cun long, remove nodes), 2 pieces of Baizhu (finger-nail size), 2 Quanxie (Whole Scorpion, wrapped in fresh Bohe leaves and roasted). Grind to powder. For children under two years, take 1 zi; over three years, take 0.5 qian, taken with Bohe soup. (*Shenghui Fang*)
Corpse Throat Pain and Bi, inability to speak: Wrap Mahuang in blue cloth, burn in a smoke tube to fumigate. (*Shenghui Fang*)
Postpartum abdominal pain and incomplete expulsion of blood: Remove nodes from Mahuang, grind to powder. Take 1 fangcunbi with wine, 2-3 times a day. Stop when blood is fully expelled. (*Zimu Milu*)
Palpitations below the heart: Banxia Mahuang Wan: Take equal parts Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) and Mahuang, grind to powder, mix with refined honey to make pills the size of soybeans. Take 3 pills per dose with water, three times a day. (*Jingui Yaolue*)
Smallpox Inversion: Kou Zongshi said: Take 0.5 liang of Zhengzhou Mahuang (remove nodes), stir-fry with 1 spoon of honey for a long time. Boil in 0.5 sheng of water for several boils, remove foam, boil again to reduce by one-third, strain and take hot. Avoid wind, and the sores will reappear. Another method: Boil in ash-free wine for faster effect. The son of Li Yong, a pen maker in Xianyuan County, suffered from smallpox inverted by wind-cold and was critical. One dose of this made them recover miraculously.
Various Wind-Stroke Diseases: Take 1 cheng of Mahuang (remove roots). On Wangxiang days or Yimao days, collect 3 dan 3 dou of flowing water from the east. Place 5-7 dou in a clean pot, boil five times, skim foam, gradually add water until total volume is 3-5 dou. Filter out Mahuang, let settle, filter dregs, take clear liquid, boil again to 1 dou, settle and filter again, take juice, boil until reduced to half a sheng. Seal tightly and store; usable for 1-2 years. Take 1-2 spoons per dose, dissolved in hot water to induce sweating. Stir frequently during boiling to prevent burning at the bottom. Avoid letting chickens, dogs, or women see it. This is Liu Shouzhen's secret formula. (*Xuanming Fanglun*)
**Root Nodes**
**[Flavor and Properties]** Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
**[Indications]** Stops sweating. In summer, mix with powder and apply topically (Tao Hongjing).
**[Elucidation]** Zhen Quan said: Mahuang root nodes stop sweating; mix with powder from old bamboo fans and apply. Also, equal parts Muli (Oyster Shell), Su Fen (Millet Powder), and Mahuang Gen (Mahuang Root) ground to powder, stored in raw silk bags. Apply to areas with night sweats and rub with hands.
Li Shizhen said: The qi of Mahuang for inducing sweating is rapid and uncontrollable, while the root nodes stop sweating effectively like an echo. The wonder of natural principles is immeasurable. Spontaneous sweating includes syndromes of wind-damp, wind-strike, wind-warmth, Qi deficiency, blood deficiency, Spleen deficiency, Yin deficiency, Stomach heat, phlegm-fluid retention, heatstroke, Yang collapse, and Rou Jing (flexible spasms); all can be treated by adding appropriate herbs. Danggui Liuhuang Tang added with Mahuang Gen treats night sweats particularly effectively. Because its nature can travel through the entire body surface, it guides other herbs to the Wei level to secure couli. Materia Medica only knows the topical application method, unaware that internal administration is even better.
**[Attached Formulas]** Newly added.
Night Sweats and Yin Sweats: Grind Mahuang Gen and Muli powder, apply topically.
Unstoppable Night Sweat: Equal parts Mahuang Gen and Jiaomu (Sesame Seed), grind to powder. Take 1 qian per dose with ash-free wine. Externally, apply powder made from Mahuang Gen and old cattail fan.
Pediatric Night Sweats: Take 3 fen Mahuang Gen, 1 fen ash from old cattail fan, grind to powder. Take 3 fen with milk, three times a day. Also, mix 3 fen Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) as powder and apply 3 fen topically. (*Gujin Luyan*)
Various Deficiencies with Spontaneous Sweating, worse at night, leading to emaciation: Take 1 liang each of Huangqi (Astragalus Root) and Mahuang Gen. Wash Muli in rice wash water, grind to powder. Take 5 qian per dose with 2 zhan of water and 100 Xiaomai (Wheat Kernels), decoct and take. (*Heji Ju Fang*)
Excessive Deficiency Sweating: Equal parts Mahuang Gen and Huangqi, grind to powder, make pills with flour paste the size of wutzi. Take 100 pills per dose with Fu Mai (Floating Wheat) soup, stop when sweating ceases. (*Tan Ye Weng Shiyian Fang*)
Postpartum Deficiency Sweating: Take 1 liang each of Huangqi and Danggui, 2 liang Mahuang Gen. Take 1 liang per dose, decoct in water.
Labor Fever: Take 1 liang each of Mahuang Gen and Shi Liuhuang (Native Sulfur), 1 he of rice flour. Grind to powder and apply. (*Qianjin Fang*)
Internal and External Cataracts: Take 1 liang Mahuang Gen, 1 qian Danggui Shen (Angelica Sinensis Root Body). Stir-fry together until black, add a little Shexiang (Musk), grind to powder. Snuff into nose, use frequently. This is a formula from Black Haier near Xiangguo Temple in Nanjing. (*Puji Fang*)
**[Appendix] Yunhua Cao**
Li Shizhen said: According to Ge Hong's *Zhouhou Beiji Fang* for treating horse mange, there is Yunhua Cao, described as resembling Mahuang, but with a solid center...