Known as
Ma Huang, (Ephedra) is a member of the family of herbs
known as the Ephedracae. It has been used in China for
more than 4000 years to treat symptoms of asthma and
upper respiratory infections. Varieties of the herb
are also grown in Europe, India, Australia and
Afghanistan. American ephedra, native to the dry
southwest, was used as tea by the early settlers, and
was known as "Mormon tea" and "Squaw
tea." It has also been used in the treatment of
headaches, fevers, colds and hay fever. Today,
compounds derived from this herb are commonly found in
many over-the-counter cold and allergy medications.
Ephedra contains two
alkaloids, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Ephedrine,
the main constituent, is a bronchodilator and
stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. It has
valuable antispasmodic properties, acting on the air
passages by relieving swellings of the mucous
membrane. Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant and
has less stimulating effect on the heart and blood
pressure. Physicians use these alkaloids to treat
bronchial asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, persistent
coughs, wheezing and shortness of breath. Ma huang can
help the body to break fevers and clear blocked
sinuses. The alkaloids are also effective in treating
allergic skin reactions such as hives, relieve general
body pain and treat low blood pressure, rheumatism and
narcolepsy.
Because of its
stimulating effect on the nervous system, ephedra can
be found in some popular weight loss and energy
products. For dieters it suppresses the appetite and
stimulates the thyroid gland which stimulates
metabolism. Recently ma huang has been the subject of
scientific research for obesity because of its
thermogenic fat-burning effect on dietary intake.
Ephedra can cause peripheral vasoconstriction,
elevation of blood pressure and cardiac stimulation,
and is often combined with other tonic herbs to help
counteract these effects.
Ma huang is also
found in "energy" products that may give
athletes extra energy without draining their reserves.
People also indicate an increase in alertness and
perception. Similar to the diet formulas, it is often
combined with ingredients such as kola nut or guarana
which contain caffeine. Concerns over the potency of
this herb and its isolated alkaloids have prompted
increased regulatory scrutiny and industry label
warnings. Contraindications and possible side effects
should be listed on the bottle. Contraindications
include general weakness, poor digestion, high blood
pressure, nervousness, sleeplessness, cardiac
arrhythmia's and heart disease. It should not be used
if you are pregnant or nursing.
Part Used:
Whole plant dried and powdered. Also teas, extracts
and decoctions from stems.
Common Use:
Ephedra has been used for thousands of years and is
considered safe when used by healthy people. Ma huang
(Ephedra sinica) is a mild engergizing herb that
suppresses appetite and promotes thermogenic
metabolism and increases perspiration and stimulates
the nervous system. It is widely used for upper
respiratory tract ailments such as allergies and
asthma. Ma huang is also used in many natural cold
remedies.
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