The History Of Ephedra
Other Common Names: Chinese Ephedra, Ma Huang, Sima-Mao, Ephedra sinica
Range: E. Asia - N. China.
Habitat: Deserty areas. Sandy seashores and in temperate climates.
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.
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. Ephedrine has a
similar effect to adrenalin in the body. It acts promptly to reduce
swellings of the mucous membranes and has antispasmodic properties,
thus making it valuable in the treatment of asthma. 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.
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. They are used internally in the
treatment of asthma, hay fever and allergic complaints. The plant also
has antiviral effects, particularly against influenza. Ephedra is often
combined with a number of other herbs and used in treating a wide range
of complaints. This herb should be used with great caution, preferably
under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. It should not be
prescribed to patients who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or
suffering from high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism or glaucoma.
Ephedrine is seen as a performance-boosting herb and, as such, is a
forbidden substance in many sporting events such as athletics.
The stems can be harvested at any time of the year and are dried for later use.
The root is antihydrotic, it lowers blood pressure and dilates the
peripheral blood vessels. It is used in the treatment of night sweating
and spontaneous sweating. The root is believed to have the opposite
action to the stem, but is only prescribed in cases of profuse sweating.
Known Hazards: Do not take Ephedra if you have high blood
pressure, high pressure in the eyes (glaucoma), weakened blood vessels
in the brain, prostate cancer, an overactive adrenal gland, or a
thyroid disorder. In general, avoid Ephedra if you have any condition
that makes you anxious or restless.
Combining Ephedra with a variety of other medications can lead to
potentially serious problems. For example, when taken in combination
with heart drugs such as digitalis or digoxin (Lanoxin), Ephedra is
more likely to disturb the rhythm of the heart. Combining Ephedra with
the blood pressure medication guanethidine (Ismelin) can dangerously
exaggerate the herb's stimulative effects. A similar problem is
possible when Ephedra is combined with drugs classified as MAO
inhibitors, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate and the
Parkinson's disease medication Eldepryl. The combination of Ephedra and
ergot-based drugs such as migraine remedies Ergomar and Wigraine can
result in high blood pressure.
Other Common Names: Chinese Ephedra, Ma Huang, Sima-Mao, Ephedra sinica
Range: E. Asia - N. China.
Habitat: Deserty areas. Sandy seashores and in temperate climates.
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.
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. Ephedrine has a
similar effect to adrenalin in the body. It acts promptly to reduce
swellings of the mucous membranes and has antispasmodic properties,
thus making it valuable in the treatment of asthma. 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.
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. They are used internally in the
treatment of asthma, hay fever and allergic complaints. The plant also
has antiviral effects, particularly against influenza. Ephedra is often
combined with a number of other herbs and used in treating a wide range
of complaints. This herb should be used with great caution, preferably
under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. It should not be
prescribed to patients who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or
suffering from high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism or glaucoma.
Ephedrine is seen as a performance-boosting herb and, as such, is a
forbidden substance in many sporting events such as athletics.
The stems can be harvested at any time of the year and are dried for later use.
The root is antihydrotic, it lowers blood pressure and dilates the
peripheral blood vessels. It is used in the treatment of night sweating
and spontaneous sweating. The root is believed to have the opposite
action to the stem, but is only prescribed in cases of profuse sweating.
Known Hazards: Do not take Ephedra if you have high blood
pressure, high pressure in the eyes (glaucoma), weakened blood vessels
in the brain, prostate cancer, an overactive adrenal gland, or a
thyroid disorder. In general, avoid Ephedra if you have any condition
that makes you anxious or restless.
Combining Ephedra with a variety of other medications can lead to
potentially serious problems. For example, when taken in combination
with heart drugs such as digitalis or digoxin (Lanoxin), Ephedra is
more likely to disturb the rhythm of the heart. Combining Ephedra with
the blood pressure medication guanethidine (Ismelin) can dangerously
exaggerate the herb's stimulative effects. A similar problem is
possible when Ephedra is combined with drugs classified as MAO
inhibitors, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate and the
Parkinson's disease medication Eldepryl. The combination of Ephedra and
ergot-based drugs such as migraine remedies Ergomar and Wigraine can
result in high blood pressure.
- Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996 ISBN 9-780751-303148
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