Ma Dou Ling - Birthwort Fruit

TCM Materia Medica

Ma Dou Ling TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "ma dou ling" which in english is "birthwort fruit", is categorized within the "herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the large intestine and lung channels and exhibits acrid, bitter (ku) and cold (han) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 3-9g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Clears the lungs, transforms phlegm - cough, wheezing due to either lung heat or lung deficiency accompanied by heat signs, as long as there is phlegm clogging the lungs.
  • Hypertension, bleeding hemorrhoids.

Ma Dou Ling has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).

  • Contains Aristolochic Acid.

While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, ma dou ling is generally included in the following 1 formula:

ViewBu Fei Er Jiao Wan (Tonify the Lungs Formula with Gelatin)

Lung yin deficiency with strong heat signs and/or bleeding - chronic dry cough, wheezing, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, COPD. Stops bleeding when it arises from lung yin deficiency - …

As noted above, ma dou ling is within the herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... generally useful for symptoms involving coughing and wheezing. often combined with other herbs to treat the overall pattern (root). )".

All Content 1999-2024
Chad J. Dupuis / Yin Yang House
Our Policies and Privacy Guidelines
Our Affiliated Clinics