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.
🧾 [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.
🪷 [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."
🔬 [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.
👨⚕️ [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.
🌟 [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.
🏛️ 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.
🌿 Preserving Wisdom, Advancing Healing.
