How is Ma Huang prepared according to the notes?

• A. eat raw
• B. cook & remove foam
• C. smoke-dry
• D. grind into paste

Answer: (B)

Ma Huang is prepared in a way that moderates its strong exterior-dispersing action. In the notes, it is cooked and the foam is removed. Heating helps extract the herb’s active components into the decoction while skimming off the surface foam reduces harshness and potential irritability, making the herb easier to dose and gentler on the stomach and throat. This processing preserves its ability to promote diaphoresis and release the exterior, but with less intense, quicker-onset irritation than using it raw. Raw Ma Huang would be too pungent and strong for many formulas, while other processing methods like smoke-drying or grinding into paste aren’t what the notes specify for this herb.