Ephedra, Má Huáng, 麻黄, Herba Ephedrae Sinica

Disclaimer    For educational purposes only.  Do not use as medical advice

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Health Benefits
For: Cold/Flu • Respiratory infection • Asthma • Coughing • Wheezing • Edema • Scanty urination • Chills • Fever • Headaches • Wind damp Bi pain
Attributes: Antiviral • Diaphoretic • Hypertensive • Stimulant • Diuretc • Anti-inflammatory • Analgesic • Anti-influenza • Anti-metastic
Products (online examples)

Seeds

Potted Plants

Seeds

Horsetail Capsules

Research (sample)
Constituents: 
Ursolic acid • Cornin • Sweroside • Iridoids • Anthocyanins • Phenolic acids • Flavonoids • Morroniside • Tannins • Loganin • Verbenalin • Tellmagrandin • Isoterchebin • Iron • Magnesium • Aluminum • Cornusin

Photos (Click to enlarge)
Fun Facts
Other Names: Khanta (Hindi) • Efedra (Spanish) • Mormon Tea • Brigham Tea
Plant Family: Ephedraceae
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:

Coptis chinensis • Coptis trifolia Salisb • Coptis deltoidea • Coptis japonica • Coptis teetoides

Growth
Ephedrae sinica is in the USDA Plant Database.  Drill down via USDA Interactive Map:

USA: Ephedrae sinica is not available in the wild.    USDA Zones: 5b-11

Native: China

Habitats:  Sandy plains, mountain slopes, deserts, 700<elevation<1600

Category: Release Exterior Wind Cold 
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
Indications: Coughing • Wheezing • Cold/flu • Edema • Scanty urination • Chills • Fever • Headaches
Contraindications: Not for long term use • High blood pressure • Diarrhea • Insomnia • Dysuria • Cardiovascular problems • Heart palpitations • Seizures • Heart disease • Kidney disease • Liver disease • Caffeine • Stroke
Typical Dosage: 2-9 g          Guidelines
Parts Used: Roots • Stem  
Other: Tossing with honey lowers the dispersing effects
Combine With Purpose
Shi Gao + Huang Qi + Sang Bai Pi Heat obstruction: Cough and wheezing
Shu di Huang Kidney defficiency: coughing and wheezing
Gui Zhi Exterior wind cold: fever, chills, no sweating
Xing Ren Wind cold: Cough and wheezing
Gan Jiang Congestion
Fu Zi Yang deficiency: Edema and cold
Bai Zhu + Fu Ling Pi + Sang Bai Pi Severe edema
Dui Yao Pairs Purpose
Ma Huang + She Gan Asthma and wheezing; more effective when Ma Huang is fried with honey [15]
Ma Huang + Shi Gao Edema with abdominal distention (use fresh Ma Huang and fresh Shi Gao) [15]
Ma Huang + Xing Ren Cough and asthma from wind col and lung heat [15]
Ma Huang + Shu Di 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 SanGe 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:

Herbs: ♦ Diuretic: heal all

Pharma Drugs:♦ Diuretic: Acetazolamide, Aldactone, Amiloride Hydrochloride, Bumex, Diuril, Diulo, Demadex, Dyrenium, Edecrin, Enduron, Hydrodiuril, Hygroton, Lasix, Lozol, Methazolamide, Mykrox, Zaroxolyn

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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