|
Benefits |
Preparation |
Medicinal Uses |
Side Effects |
Plant |
Folklore |
|
| Common Names |
| Ephedra , Ma Huang |
| Botanical Name |
| Ephedra sinica |
| Family |
| EPHEDRACEAE |
|
|
Related Species |
Ephedra nevadensis :
Mormon-tea ,
Nevada ephedra
Several additional species belonging to the genus Ephedra have traditionally been used for a variety of medicinal purposes, and are a possible candidate for the Soma plant of Indo-Iranian religion. Native Americans and Mormon pioneers drank a tea brewed from an Ephedra, called Mormon Tea.
Wikipedia |
|
| |
|
The stems of the epherdra plant can be brewed into a pungent, bitter, herb tea that dilates the bronchial vessels while stimulating the heart and central nervous system.
The active chemical components of ephedra, or ma huang, the alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, are found in over the counter allergy and cold medications as over-the-counter decongestants. . An internal review of FDA records between 1969 and September 2006 found 54 reports of deaths in children associated with decongestant medicines containing pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine or ephedrine, prompting the recent recall of these medications in children's cold care products.
The phytochemical ephedrine possesses properties similar to adrenaline that serves a critical role in our system as a neurotransmitter and a modulator of our metabolic rate. This powerful stimulant action is the major reason why it is so dangerous when misused. Ephedra has fallen into disfavor because of its misuse in the west as a diet drug. A handful of people have died over the last few years prompting the FDA to ban its use.
Herbalists, however, use the whole plant which contains six other related alkaloids, one of which, pseudoephedrine, actually reduces the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. This plant has been used in China for thousands of years, yet no undesirable side-effects have been recorded from the proper administration of the whole plant. Mabey, Richard ,48
Those wishing to use the whole herb to treat allergies and asthma can still buy bulk ephedra from reputable whole herb sources such as Mountain Rose, however it is recommended that it be used under only under supervision of a qualified herbalist. |
|
Prep Methods :
 Remedies using Ephedra
|
|
Ma Huang has a 5,000 year history of use in Chinese medicine as an asthma treatment and is traditionally prescribed in TCM as an effective treatment of hay fever, edema, arthritis, colds, asthma, bronchitis and hives. |
|
|
|
|
Allergies/hay Fever *
Aphrodisiac *
Asthma *
Weight Loss *
|
| Aphrodisica, stimulant | | The effects of ephedrine on the brain and central nervous system is similar to, but weaker than that of amphetamine. Ephedrine has the ability to increase heart rate and work output and blood pressure. This stimulant action is the major reason for ephedra reputation as an aphrodisiac and the major reason why it is so dangerous. 510
( ) | | Weight Loss | | Ephedra stimulates the central nervous system, making you sweat, which is why this herb was so widely promoted as a weight loss aid. 511
(Duke, James A, Ph.D. ) | | Asthma | | A sympathetic nerve stimulant resembling adrenaline, its effect on the unstripped muscular fibers is remarkable. It acts promptly in relieving swellings of the mucous membrane. It has valuable antispasmodic properties, acts on the air passages and is of benefit in asthma and hay fever; it is also employed for rheumatism; a 5 to 10 per cent solution has mydriatic properties, prophylactically used for low blood pressure in influenza, pneumonia, etc 1289
(Grieve, Maude ) |
|
| Side Effects: |
|---|
| The herb and its extracts are potentially addictive, and can disrupt regular heart rhythm, induce cardiac arrest, and raise blood pressure. They are very likely to make you sweat profusely, become irritable, nervous, nauseous and cause insomnia. |
|
|
This native Chinese shrub grows to a little over two feet in height, almost leafless with minute, yellow green flowers. The species Ephedra sinica or Ma-Huang, is the most widely used and researched.
|
|
|
|
|
Buy Bulk Herbs and Oils
|
| Certified Organic Ephedra |
| (Cultivated Without Chemicals)
Ephedra sinica Origin- China
Usually taken as a tea, but for convenience it may be taken as a capsule or extract. |
|
|
Annies Remedys
|
