A Half-Century-Old TCM Case Study: Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum, and Licorice Decoction Cures Asthma in Two Doses—A Family Prescription Passed Down Through Generations
📜 [Original Medical Case Background]
- **Year:** 1968
- **Patient:** Dr. Wu Mingjie’s elder sister
- **Condition:** Acute asthma attack, severe wheezing
- **Prescriber:** His father, Wu Muqing (a TCM family practitioner)
- **Prescription:** *Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang* (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum, and Licorice Decoction) – **two doses**
- **Outcome:** Asthma completely resolved after two packets; no recurrence for over **50 years**.
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🧾 [Original Prescription Manuscript]
The handwritten prescription by the late Mr. Wu Muqing remains well-preserved, serving as **a rare piece of evidence of family TCM heritage**.
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🪷 [Classic Prescription Verse]
*"The Ephedra, Apricot, Gypsum, and Licorice Decoction,*
*For sweating with wheezing—its method is fine.*
*Cool and acrid, it clears the lungs with ease,*
*Relieving asthma and vexation with expertise."*
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🔬 [Formula Composition & Dosage]
| **Herb** | **Dosage** | **Primary Action** |
|----------------|------------|---------------------|
| **Ephedra (Ma Huang)** | 9g | Releases lung stagnation, relieves wheezing |
| **Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren)** | 9g | Directs lung qi downward, stops cough |
| **Gypsum (Shi Gao)** | 24g | Clears lung heat, reduces inflammation |
| **Licorice (Gan Cao)** | 6g | Harmonizes the formula, moderates harsh herbs |
**Primary Functions:**
- **Disperses lung heat**
- **Relieves wheezing and cough**
- **Indicated for:** Wind-heat invasion, sweating with wheezing, rapid breathing, or phlegm-heat congestion in the lungs.
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👨⚕️ [A Second Validation: 2008, Dr. Wu Treats His Son with the Same Formula]
- **Year:** 2008
- **Patient:** Dr. Wu’s son (a child)
- **Condition:** Asthma recurrence with **fever and wheezing**
- **Diagnosis:** Wind-heat attacking the lungs, phlegm-heat congestion, impaired lung qi diffusion
- **Treatment Principle:** **Disperse wind-heat, clear lung heat, relieve wheezing**
📋 [Modified *Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang*]
| **Herb** | **Dosage** | **Usage Notes** |
|----------------|------------|------------------|
| **Ephedra (Ma Huang)** | 3g | Induces sweating, diffuses lung qi |
| **Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren)** | 6g | Directs qi downward, suppresses cough |
| **Gypsum (Shi Gao)** | 30g | **Large dose** for intense lung heat |
| **Licorice (Gan Cao)** | 3g | Moderates harsh herbs, protects stomach |
| **Wuyi Rock Tea (Old Bush Shui Xian, aged 10+ years)** | 2g (added last) | Clears heat, dissolves phlegm, guides qi to the lungs |
**Preparation:**
- Decoct one dose daily for **three consecutive days**.
**Outcome:**
- **Fever resolved completely** after three doses.
- **Asthma symptoms vanished**, with no recurrence.
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🌟 [Key Insights from This Case]
✅ **Three Generations of Proven Efficacy** – From **1968 to 2008**, the same formula cured asthma in two different patients, demonstrating **TCM’s timeless effectiveness**.
✅ **Simple, Affordable, and Powerful** – Only **four main herbs**, yet highly effective, embodying TCM’s principle of *"treating major diseases with simple formulas."*
✅ **Innovative Modification** – The addition of **Wuyi Rock Tea** (a premium oolong) reflects **modern adaptability** while staying rooted in tradition.
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🏛️ Conclusion
This **half-century-spanning case study** not only proves the **precision and efficacy** of *Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang* but also highlights the **Wu family’s mastery** of classical prescriptions—both in **faithful application** and **intelligent modification**.
It stands as a **valuable reference** for TCM education, research, and clinical practice, showcasing the essence of **"evidence-based tradition and results-driven healing"** in Chinese medicine.
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**🌿 Preserving Wisdom, Advancing Healing.**