Vitamins Information (Home) > Herbs > Ephedra

Information on Ephedra

(Ephedra Sinica, Ephedra Intermedia, Ephedra Equisetina)

Ephedra Picture

Ephedra, Common name: Ma huang. Ephedra is thought to be the world's oldest herbal remedy. It has been used since ancient times to treat asthma and upper respiratory infections.

The Chinese have used ephedra medicinally for over 5,000 years. Ephedra’s traditional medicinal uses include the alleviation of sweating, lung and bronchial constriction, and water retention. Coughing, shortness of breath, the common cold, and fevers without sweat are all indications for its use.

Ephedra is a shrublike plant found in desert regions throughout the world. The dried green stems of the three Asian species (E. sinica, E. intermedia, E. equisetina) are used medicinally. The North American species of ephedra does not appear to contain the active ingredients of its Asian counterparts.

While the active constituent, ephedrine, was isolated in 1887, the herb did not become popular with U.S. physicians until 1924 for its bronchodilating and decongesting properties. Ephedra’s main active medicinal ingredients are the alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. The stem contains 1–3% total alkaloids, with ephedrine accounting for 30–90% of this total, depending on the plant species. Both ephedrine and its synthetic counterparts stimulate the central nervous system, dilate the bronchial tubes, elevate blood pressure, and increase heart rate. Pseudoephedrine (the synthetic form) is a popular over-the-counter remedy for relief of nasal congestion.

Tinctures of 1–4 ml three times per day can be taken. Adults should take no more than 150 mg every twenty-four hours. Pseudoephedrine is typically recommended at 60 mg every six hours.

Special Precautions: Ephedra has a long history of safe use at the recommended amounts. However, abuse of ephedra (and particularly ephedrine)—especially for weight loss or as a recreational drug—can lead to amphetamine-like side effects, including elevated blood pressure, rapid heart beat, nervousness, irritability, headache, urination disturbances, vomiting, muscle disturbances, insomnia, dry mouth, heart palpitations, and even death due to heart failure. Anyone with high blood pressure, heart conditions, diabetes, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, anxiety or restlessness, impaired circulation to the brain, benign prostatic hyperplasia with residual urine accumulation, pheochromocytoma, and those taking MAO-inhibiting antidepressants, digitoxin, or guanethidine should consult with a physician before using any type of product containing ephedra. Certain medications interact in a positive and/or negative way with ephedra.

VISITOR COMMENTS on "Herb Ephedra (Ephedra sinica, Ephedra intermedia, Ephedra equisetina)":

	More Articles
1. Rosemary: Herb and Oil Herb Rosemary Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Herb Picture Rosemary is a sweet scented evergreen shrub which grows [...]
2. Herbal, Natural, Home Remedies for Tonsillitis Herbal, Natural, Home Remedies for Tonsillitis Echinacea and Goldenseal tea gargled and swallowed are an effective treatment for Tonsillitis.
3. Monitor the Performance of your Low Carb Diet Plan Monitor the Performance of your Low Carb Diet Plan Dieting is some times condemned by the weight loss seekers as it may keep [...]
4. The High Carb, Low Fat Diet - The effective way still The High Carb, Low Fat Diet - The effective way still As evident from the past years and also recommended by doctors and nutritionists, a high carb low [...]

Bookmark This Page:











Send Page to a Friend

Visitors' Blog

Herbs

Chinese
Drying Herbs
Herb Garden
Medicinal Herbs
Natural Herbs
Indoor Herb Garden
Agrimony Herb
Alfalfa
Aloe Vera
Angelica
Aniseed
Arnica
Asafoetida
Astragalus
Bee Balm
Boswellia
Chamomile
Cinnamon
Damiana
Dandelion
Dill
Dong Quai
Elderberry
Echinacea
Ephedra
Fennel
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Fo Ti
Garlic
Gentian
Ginger
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginseng
Goldenseal
Gotu Cola
Guggul
Hyssop
Juniper
Kava Kava
Kudzu
Lavender
Lomatium
Marshmallow
Meadowsweet
Nettle
Milk Thistle
Nutmeg
Oregon Grape
Parsley
Pau d'arco
Peppermint
Phyllanthus
Psyllium
Pygeum
Quince
Red Clover
Red Raspberry
Rosemary
Sage
Sandalwood
St John's Wort
Valerian
Herbs For Cancer
Herbs for Cooking
Herbs for Weight Loss
Herbs for Relaxing
Herbs for Diabetes
Herbs for High Blood Pressure
Herbs to Quit Smoking
Herbal Life Nutrition
Herbs for Colon Cleansing
Natural Herbs for impotence
Herbs for Pregnancy
Natural Herbs for Menopause
Herbs for Acne
Ayurvedic Herbs
Herbs for Cholesterol
Herbal Breast Enhancement
Herbal Cleansing Tea
Herbal Abortion