Ephedra Herb and Powder Profile
Also known as- Ephedra sinica and sinensis, Ma Huang, and Chinese Ephedra.
Introduction
Ephedra herb is one of the fundamentals of traditional Chinese medicine and modern herbal medicine for the treatment of respiratory disorders. As a whole herb, the tops of the plant serve as an antidote for excessive consumption of the root, and treat a wide range of respiratory conditions.
NOT TO BE USED AS A STIMULANT!
Constituents
Ephedrine, pseudopephedrine.
Parts Used
The stems
Typical Preparations
Usually teas, but for convenience it may be taken as a capsule or extract.
Summary
The traditional use of ephedra is to stop "leakages" caused by lack of energy and vigor. It stops sweating at night, fluid buildup in the lung, and weak pulse causing "dribbles" of arterial circulation. All of these effects are helpful in colds, flu, and asthma. Most members of this genus contain various medicinally active alkaloids (but notably ephedrine) and they are widely used in preparations for the treatment of asthma and catarrh. The stems are a pungent, bitter, warm herb that dilates the bronchial vessels whilst stimulating the heart and central nervous system. The stems are also antidote, diaphoretic, diuretic, pectoral, vasoconstrictor and vasodilator, and they are used internally in the treatment of asthma, hay fever and allergic complaints.
Precautions
Typically used in herbal combinations, under the supervisions of someone qualified to use this substance.
Not to be used as a stimulant, and its long term use is not recommended.
Special Warning: SEEK ADVICE FROM HEALTH PRACTITIONER PRIOR TO USE IF PREGNANT, NURSING, HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, HEART OR THYROID DISEASE, DIABETES, DIFFICULTY IN URINATION DUE TO PROSTATE ENLARGEMENT, OR IF TAKING MAO INHIBITOR OR OTHER PRESCRIPTION DRUG. REDUCE/DISCONTINUE USE IF NERVOUSNESS, TREMOR, SLEEPLESSNESS, LOSS OF APPETITE OR NAUSEA OCCUR. DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSE. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN:
