Expert: Heather Vandeburg L.Ac M.S.O.M. dipl.Ac - 10/12/2010

Question
The Mu Huang Tang herbal formula for the common cold and influenza is comprised of the following herbs and proportions: xing ren (apricot seed): 5, ma huang: 5,
gui zhi (cinnamon twig): 4, and gan cao (licorice): 2.
Since the ma huang can keep a patient from falling asleep at night, what Chinese herb could be substituted for ma huang in this formula so that the patient is able to fall asleep at night?  Thank you for your time and assistance.7

Answer
Michael,
In TCM we treat Wind Heat or Wind Cold.  That dictates what Chinese herbal Formula we give.  Ma Huang tang is for Wind Cold.  Chills more than fever, Body Ache, headache, scratchy throat, clear nasal discharge, thin white tongue coat, floating tight pulse. Sometimes, wind cold will turn into wind heat or will go to deeper organs if left untreated.  So I would need to know more symptoms before I could suggest a herb for you to substitute.  I wouldn't use Ma Huang Tang as a general Cold and flu remedy. It is only for people with strong constitutions. It is a formula to produce sweating to break the pathogenic cycle. I would use Gan Mao Ling which is for wind cold or wind heat.  You may be able to use Gui zhi tang. Gui zhi (cinnamon twig)9g, shao yao (Peony Root)9g, sheng jiang 9g (fresh ginger# da zao 12 pieces #ju ju bae# zhi gan cao 6g#honey fried licorice)

I hope this helpful,
Heather Vandeburg LAc MSOM dipl Ac