Ephedra Chinese: Ma Huang treatment of asthma, allergies, and sinus problems
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Ephedra Chinese: Ma Huang
Ephedra or Ma Huang is a powerful herb that has been used in Chinese medicine for at least 5,000 years. It is the herb from which scientists have extracted ephedrine--one of the most effective drugs known for the treatment of asthma, allergies, and sinus problems. Ephedrine is what is found in most over the counter weight loss remedies and within a popular drug which is illegal in some American states called Mini-thins ©. Occasionally, Ma Huang has been mixed with other stimulants to get a combination of drugs to get high, this is highly not reccomended, and has been attributed to at least one cardiovascular accident that has resulted in death. Lack of knowledge caused political groups in several American states to get Ephedra banned. Nebraska is one which has put a ban on Ephedra, where as Ohio, who recently did have a ban, decided to lift it due to people coming forth.
Folk History
Ephedra's folk names (and this is probably a combination of Western and Chinese folk names) include Desert Tea, Desert Herb, Morman Tea, Squaw Tea, and Whorehouse Tea. The name Morman Tea originated with the use of the tea by Mormans who used it as a replacement stimulant for the coffee and black tea they couldn't drink. Ephedra tea was served in brothels in the 1800's because it had been claimed to cure gonorrhea and syphilis. Do not try this remedy these days, though, it didn't work.
Medicinal Value
Ephedra has been used extensively for the treatment of asthma, and also as a natural decongestant and antihistamine. It has become a very popular ingredient in herbal combinations for allergies and hay fever. Since it is a stimulant which increases the metabolism and increases body temperature, it has been used to control weight and to help prevent sleep. One of the side-effects of increased metabolism is an increased pulse rate and a slight elevation in blood pressure. Ephedra is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart problems or thyroid problems. Even though producers of the product have put the warings on the labels, there have been a few unfortunate cases where an overdose has occured due to disreagard of the dosage recomendations. A total of eight accidents have resulted in death.
Despite these events, Ephedra has an excellent safety record considering the large number of people who have used the herb. Especicaly when compared to Aspirin, because 20,000 Americans die each year from taking aspirin and aspirin substitutes.) When used properly the herb is as safe or safer than most over-the-counter medications. Just to make a point about how stimulating this herb can be, Epinephrine (pronounced eh-pin-ef-rin)(a word rooted from Ephedra)is another name for adrenaline. Ephedrine is a powerful stimulant. In fact, it's molecular structure is close to methamphetamine(speed). Ephedra can produce a positive urine test for amphetamines (speed). Some other medicinal uses of Ephedra include the decreasion of cigarette cravings, promotion of mensturation, and promotion of uterine contractions.
Harvesting and Growing
Ephedra plants grow very slowly and are not easy to raise. In Northern America it grows well in the South West United States and Mexico. Ephedra prefers dry soil and full sun and can be collected in any season, it flowers in early summer. When havesting, place large branches in a light-resistant bag (not plastic), and keep in hot place (sun, near a heater) until dry.
Magical Uses
Could not find any information abou the magical uses of Ephedra. If you know of any, please leave your information in the guestbook, or e-mail it to me at: info at asiarecipe.com
Dosage
The Chinese version (Ma Huang) containes significantly more ephidrine than the american. It is the Chinese version that is recommended for medicinal use. Take Ephedra as a decoction or tincture. Decoction: 2 cups/day. Tincture: 1/4-1 tsp. up to 3 x's a day. Make a tea from the dry branches in with 1tsp per 1 pint water 5-20 minutes.
Warnings:
Causes insomnia and dry mouth. Do not use if pregnant unless trying to promote birth. Causes uterine contractions and early mensturation.
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