Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Licorice, and Gypsum Decoction，*Treatise on Cold Damage*.，Pathogenic heat obstructing the lungs, manifested as fever, severe shortness of breath, restlessness and thirst, sweating, a yellow tongue coating, and a rapid pulse. Currently used for pneumonia, scarlet fever (pharyngitis with ulceration), allergic asthma, etc.
Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Licorice, and Gypsum Decoction
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Formulas Name : Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Licorice, and Gypsum Decoction
Chinese Name : 麻黄杏仁甘草石膏汤
Drug Formulation
4 liang of Ephedra (knots removed), 50 apricot kernels (skins and tips removed), 2 liang of licorice (roasted), and half a jin of gypsum (crushed and wrapped in cotton).
Source
*Treatise on Cold Damage*.
Benefits
Pathogenic heat obstructing the lungs, manifested as fever, severe shortness of breath, restlessness and thirst, sweating, a yellow tongue coating, and a rapid pulse. Currently used for pneumonia, scarlet fever (pharyngitis with ulceration), allergic asthma, etc.
Instructions for Use
Boil Ephedra in 7 sheng of water until reduced by 2 sheng; skim off the foam, add the remaining herbs, and boil until reduced to 2 sheng. Strain and take 1 sheng while warm.
Note
Contraindicated for patients with a floating and weak, deep and tight, or deep and fine pulse; aversion to cold and wind; and sweating without thirst.
Copyright: Excerpt from *Treatise on Cold Damage*., Copyright belongs to the Original Author and all original sources, This article was shared by DeDe on August 26, 2026, Please credit the source and include a link to the original article when reposting.
Terminology Proofreading: [Cheng Bo] | August 26, 2026 Reviewed by: [Wang Zhongxiang, Associate Chief TCM Physician (China)] | September 4, 2026
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Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Licorice, and Gypsum Decoction,Pathogenic heat obstructing the lungs, manifested as fever, severe shortness of breath, restlessness and thirst, sweating, a yellow tongue coating, and a rapid pulse. Currently used for pneumonia, scarlet fever (pharyngitis with ulceration), allergic asthma, etc.