Overview and structure of ephedra almond licorice gypsum decoction

Ephedra, almond, licorice and gypsum decoction is one of the classic prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine, which comes from "Treatise on Febrile Diseases". It is mainly used to treat cough, asthma and other symptoms caused by exogenous wind-heat or excessive lung heat. This article will start fromPrescription composition, efficacy mechanism, clinical application and modern researchExpand in four dimensions, focusing on analyzing its compatibility principles and indications. The secondary content covers taboo matters and evaluations of ancient and modern doctors, forming a clear-cut structure.

Prescription composition and compatibility principles

This recipe is composed of four herbs: ephedra, almond, licorice and gypsum.Ephedra relieves the lungs and relieves asthma,Gypsum clears away lung heat, the combination of cold and warm is the monarch medicine; almond is the minister for lowering qi and relieving cough, and licorice is the adjuvant medicine for reconciling other medicines. This combination embodies the treatment principle of "venting pungency and coolness" and is suitable for cough and asthma due to lung heat. According to "Treatise on Febrile Diseases", the proportions of the original prescription are 4 taels of ephedra, 50 almonds, 2 taels of licorice, and half a catty of gypsum. The modern commonly used dosage is 6-9g of ephedra and 15-30g of gypsum.

Efficacy mechanism and indications

Modern research shows that this formula hasAnti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antitussive and asthmaticfunction. Ephedrine and gypsum calcium ions synergistically regulate bronchial smooth muscle, and laetrile inhibits the cough center. Clinically it is mainly used for:
1. Acute bronchitis (yellow and sticky phlegm)
2. Pneumonia in children (fever, cough and wheezing)
3. Allergic rhinitis (lung heat type)
It should be noted that it is contraindicated for those with cough due to wind-cold and dry cough caused by yin deficiency.

Clinical applications and typical cases

Deng Tietao, a master of traditional Chinese medicine, once used this prescription to treat severe pneumonia. The fever subsided and the asthma subsided within 3 days. Modern clinical data show (see table below):

When using, increase or decrease almonds according to the amount of phlegm. For those with high fever, gypsum can be added to 60g.

Summary and Notes

This party is"Clears lung heat, relieves cough and asthma"The representative prescription, its scientific compatibility still guides clinical practice to this day. Syndrome should be strictly differentiated when used, and combination with beta-blockers (ephedrine interaction) should be avoided. Modern pharmacology provides evidence to support its efficacy, but it needs to be used under the guidance of a physician, and should be used with caution by pregnant women and patients with hypertension.

Quote sources:
1. "Treatise on Febrile Diseases" by Zhang Zhongjing (Eastern Han Dynasty)
2. "Deng Tietao's Clinical Experience Collection" 2001
3. "Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacology and Clinical Practice" Volume 35, 2019