Ephedra (麻黄)

Latin Plant Name:Ephedra Sinensis

Pinyin Mandarin Name:Ma Huang

Common English Name:Ephedra

Part of Plant Used:Twigs and stems

Nature:Warm

Taste:Acrid, bitter

Meridians Entered:Lungs, Bladder

Common Usages:

Ephedra is one of the major herbs used to treat wheezing (TCM: poor Lung Qi circulation). It is also used in formulas that induce sweating where there are symptoms of fever with no sweating, together with chills and headache (TCM: exterior cold); also used to treat asthma and allergies (TCM: wind-cold conditions).

Traditional Usages and Functions:

eleases exterior and disperses cold; facilitates normal circulation of Lung Qi and controls wheezing; promotes urination and reduces edema.

Common Formulas Used In:Ma Huang; Pueraria Combination.

Processing Required:-

Remarks:

Avoid using at night. Ephedra is a mild stimulant and may interfere with sleep, especially if the person already has insomnia.

Cautions in Use:

Do not use this herb where there is high blood pressure or cardiac asthma. Use with caution in deficient conditions with chronic sweating or wheezing.