Ephedra was banned by the FDA in 2004 because it accounted for 62% of poison control calls while it makes up only 1% of herbal supplement sales. Much of these calls were from the use of ephedra in weight loss supplements and in athletic stimulants. Ephidrene is also banned by the International Olympics Committee. This ban does not apply to prescriptions by practitioners of Chinese Medicine. In China, it is illegal to cultivate ephedra without a license and comes with fines and imprisonment.[ref]
Ephedra as a raw herb is difficult to find online. However, ephedra seeds are commonly sold. Mormon/ Brigham tea (ephedra viridis coville) is ephedra without ephedrine. Other ephedra species like horsetail/shavegrass (Equisetum arvense) are also commonly available. Ephedra is listed in the following pharmacopeias: German Commission E 1992 • India Pharmacopoeia 1955 • Martindale Extra Pharmacopoeia 1972 • WHO 2000.
Species
is a valuable herb where the roots are widely used in Chinese medicine. The dried rhizomes come from the following species:
English: Ephedra Pinyin: Ma Huang Pharmaceutical: Herba Ephedrae Sinica
Organs: Lung • Bladder Temperature: Warm
Taste: Pungent • Mildly bitter Toxicity: Ephedrine can cause heart problems, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Overdose can occur from 15ml of a 1% solution [5, Bensky]
Patterns:Exterior wind-cold • Edema • Tai yang cold damage
Actions: Release exterior • Dispel cold • Induce sweating • Open pores • Increase urination • Relief edema • Control cough • Control wheezing • Ease wind damp Bi pain
Chronic asthma (kidney deficiency and phlegm cold) [15]
Formulas with Ma Huang
Da Qing Long Tang • Die Da Wan • Ding Chuan Tang • Fang Feng Tong Sheng San • Ge Gen Jia Ban Xia Tang • Ge Gen Tang • Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang • Ma Huang Lian Qiao Chi Xiao Dou Tang • Ma Huang Tang • Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang • Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang • Mu Li San • She Gan Ma Huang Tang • Shi Gao Tang • Wu Hu Tang • Wu Tou Tang • Wu Ji San • Xiao Qing Long Tang • Xiao Xu Ming Tang • Yang He Tang • Yue Bi Tang
Alert
Be cautions with all medicine.
The FDA banned the U.S. sale of Ephedra containing ephedrine alkaloids. Ephedra make up about 1% of herbal supplements sold in the U.S. but are responsible for 62% of poison reports. [ref]. The ban does not apply to traditional Chinese herbal remedies.[ref]
Ephedra increases issues with heart and kidney disease and has been associated with stroke.
Ephedra may increase the risk of people who suffer seizures
Ephedra may dizziness, scanty urination, insomnia, palpitation, and nausea.
The ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in Ephedra can interact with anti-seizure and cardiovascular related drugs.
Ephedra also raises blood pressure, which may be dangerous for those dealing with high blood pressure.
Do not take Ephedra if pregnant or breastfeeding
Do not give Ephedra to children
Do not drink caffeine if taking ephedra
Potential Drug Interactions
Herbal medicine may interact negatively with pharma drugs and other herbs. Examples below:
Information in this post came from many sources, including class notes, practitioners, websites, webinars, books, magazines, and editor's personal experience. While the original source often came from historical Chinese texts, variations may result from the numerous English translations. Always consult a doctor prior to using these drugs. The information here is strictly for educational purposes.
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