Ma Huang
(Ephedra sinensis)
Also know as Mormon tea
Botanical Information
A broom-like shrub in the Ephedra family, and related to the conifers, ephedra grows in arid places, but is also widely cultivated for its content of the stimulant alkaloid, ephedrine.
Working with Ma Huang
Part(s) Used
Stems
Herb Forms
Tincture, capsule, tablet, bulk herb for tea.
Affects
Ma huang has a long history of use for colds, coughs, asthma, and hay fever. It is also used for fevers and edema. Ma huang contains ephedrine, a stimulant and decongestant; it works by promoting sweating, drying mucus secretions, dilating the air passages and easing bronchial spasms.
Ma huang is often added to stimulant energy products and weight-loss products. The herb is effective for these uses, but it has side effects; deaths have occurred from its abuse. Traditional use only is recommended. See a qualified Traditional Chinese medical practitioner, such as a licensed acupuncturist, if you have doubts about its use.
Ma Huang has a taste of MILD, BITTER and a temperature of WARM.
Cautions
Due to its stimulant alkaloid ephedrine, contraindicated in pregnancy and high blood pressure. Ma huang is a sympathetic nervous system stimulant–it can cause nervousness, anxiety, sleeplessness, weaken the digestion in susceptible individuals; and cau
