Ma Huang, Chinese ephedra

Ephedra sinica

Physical Characteristics

Ephedra sinica is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

E. Asia - N. China.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

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).

Known Hazards

Not recommended with high blood-pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease or inflammation of the prostrate gland. Avoid in glaucoma patients. Avoid if thyrotoxicosis - over-active thyroid gland. Avoid if restless or have anxiety states. Adverse effects include: headache, irritability, restlessness, nausea, sleeplessness, rapid heart beat, hyperthermia, loss of appetite, insomnia, restlessness and increased blood pressure. May lead to heart attacks, strokes and even death [301].