OYSTER SHELL, EPHEDRA ROOT & WHEAT

OYSTER SHELL, EPHEDRA ROOT & WHEAT Mu Li/Fu Xiao Mai/Ma Huang Gen
Ostrea concha, Ephedra sinica & Triticum aevistivus Contains no ephedrine-like substances.
	Major therapeutic action Stops sweating and stabilises the Exterior.
Indications o Chronic excessive sweating from most causes, excluding exterior pathogenic invasion. This is a very useful astringent formula and is usually added to one of the following constitutional formulas.	Key symptoms for use o spontaneous sweating, night sweats, excess sweating in various parts of the body
Combinations o For spontaneous sweating with feelings of lethargy, a weak pulse, and possibly loose stools, combine with Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang or Yu Ping Feng San. o For night sweats with a slight fever, afternoon tidal fever, a feeling of heat in the palms and soles, malar flush, and a red dry coatless tongue, combine with Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Zhi Mu & Huang Bo. o For sweating in patterns with a strong emotional component, insomnia, malar flush, feeling of heat in the afternoon or in the palms or soles combine with Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan. o For sweating with symptoms of pale face and lips, dry hair, tiredness, poor memory, a pale tongue and a weak pulse, combine with Si Wu Tang. o For sweating with feelings of cold and possibly loose stool, combine with Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Xian Ling Pi & Xian Mao. o For cases with severe sweating, add Wu Wei Zi.	Dosage The typical proportion when added to a constitutional formula is 3 or 4:1 formula to addition (15 grams in 45-60 grams of formula). If a stronger effect is desired more can be added. When used alone the dose is three grams twice daily.
Cautions and contraindications None noted. Contraindicated in the extreme oily sweating that accompanies shock, and in sweating from external pathogenic invasion (cold or flu).