Ephedra sinica

Medicinal Uses
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Antidote; Cardiac; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Pectoral; Vasoconstrictor; Vasodilator.
Ma Huang is a strongly stimulant acrid-tasting herb that is commonly used in Chinese herbalism,
where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[218, 254]. 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[238]. Ephedrine has a similar effect to adrenaline
in the body[176]. It acts promptly to reduce swellings of the mucous membranes and has
antispasmodic properties, thus making it valuable in the treatment of asthma[4]. The whole plant can
be used at much lower concentrations than the isolated constituents - unlike using the isolated
ephedrine, using the whole plant rarely gives rise to side-effects[254]. The stems are a pungent, bitter,
warm herb that dilates the bronchial vessels whilst stimulating the heart and central nervous
system[238]. The stems are also antidote, diaphoretic, diuretic, pectoral, vasoconstrictor and
vasodilator[165, 176, 238]. They are used internally in the treatment of asthma, hay fever and allergic
complaints[238]. The plant also has antiviral effects, particularly against influenza[238]. Ephedra is
often combined with a number of other herbs and used in treating a wide range of complaints238].
This herb should be used with great caution, preferably under the supervision of a qualified
practitioner[238]. It should not be prescribed to patients who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors,
or suffering from high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism or glaucoma[238]. Ephedrine is seen as a
performance-boosting herb and, as such, is a forbidden substance in many sporting events such as
athletics[K]. The stems can be harvested at any time of the year and are dried for later use[238]. The
root is antihydrotic, it lowers blood pressure and dilates the peripheral blood vessels[176]. It is used in
the treatment of night sweating and spontaneous sweating[176]. The root is believed to have the
opposite action to the stem, but is only prescribed in cases of profuse sweating[218]. The German
Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Ephedra sinica for
cough and bronchitis (see [302] for critics of commission E).