Why Mahuang Decoction is the representative prescription of pungent-warming and exterior-relieving? Is it the basic prescription for relieving cough and asthma?

Mahuang Decoction consists of Herba Ephedrae, Ramulus Cinnamomi, Semen Armeniacae Amarum and Radix Glycyrrhizae.

Herba Ephedrae combined with Ramulus Cinnamomi has the efficacy of pungent-warming and exterior-relieving, which is the strongest combination among pungent-warming and exterior-relieving drugs.

Ephedra combined with almond to disperse lung and relieve asthma should be said to be one of the basic prescriptions for relieving cough and asthma. Many other traditional Chinese medicines also have the function of relieving cough, of course, the principle is different. For example: moistening lung and relieving cough: aster and coltsfoot flower; Reducing qi and relieving cough: perilla seed; Tonifying kidney and relieving asthma: gecko and cordyceps sinensis ...