Ma Huang ~ Ephedra sinica

Ma Huang

Latin name: Ephedra sinica

Family: Ephedraceae

Part used: stems

Habitat: China

Main constituents: ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, pseudoephedrine)

Energetics: warming, drying

Main herbal actions: alpha and beta adrenergic agonist, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antitussive, diaphoretic, expectorant, sympathomimetic, stimulant, decongestant,

Minor herbal actions: bronchodilator, mild smooth muscle relaxant

Main medicinal uses: allergies, bronchitis, asthma, URIs

Minor medicinal uses: common cold, hay fever, acute low blood pressure

Preparations: nasal drops, tablets, elixirs; powdered stems: 1-4 g qd; 1:4 tincture: 10-60 gtt qd-qid; decoction: 1 Tbsp/cup water

Contraindications: anorexia nervosa; diabetes; enlarged prostate gland; glaucoma; heart disease; hypertension; hyperthyroidism; insomnia; pregnancy; Raynaud’s disease; stomach ulcers; weak, aged, or debilitated patients; interacts with a number of drugs and other herbs

Toxicity: CNS stimulation, nausea, tachycardia, tremors, urinary retention

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations; http://www.natmedpro.com/nmpx/Ephedra.htm