Ephedra Used in Medicine

Other Common Names: Chinese Ephedra, Ma Huang, Sima-Mao, Ephedra sinica

Range: E. Asia - N. China.

Habitat: Deserty areas. Sandy seashores and in temperate climates.

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.

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. Ephedrine has a similar effect to adrenalin in the body. It acts promptly to reduce swellings of the mucous membranes and has antispasmodic properties, thus making it valuable in the treatment of asthma. 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.

The stems are a pungent, bitter, warm herb that dilates the bronchial vessels whilst stimulating the heart and central nervous system. The stems are also antidote, diaphoretic. diuretic, pectoral, vasoconstrictor and vasodilator. They are used internally in the treatment of asthma, hay fever and allergic complaints. The plant also has antiviral effects, particularly against influenza. Ephedra is often combined with a number of other herbs and used in treating a wide range of complaints. This herb should be used with great caution, preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. It should not be prescribed to patients who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or suffering from high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism or glaucoma. Ephedrine is seen as a performance-boosting herb and, as such, is a forbidden substance in many sporting events such as athletics.

The stems can be harvested at any time of the year and are dried for later use.

The root is antihydrotic, it lowers blood pressure and dilates the peripheral blood vessels. It is used in the treatment of night sweating and spontaneous sweating. The root is believed to have the opposite action to the stem, but is only prescribed in cases of profuse sweating.

Known Hazards: Do not take Ephedra if you have high blood pressure, high pressure in the eyes (glaucoma), weakened blood vessels in the brain, prostate cancer, an overactive adrenal gland, or a thyroid disorder. In general, avoid Ephedra if you have any condition that makes you anxious or restless.



Combining Ephedra with a variety of other medications can lead to potentially serious problems. For example, when taken in combination with heart drugs such as digitalis or digoxin (Lanoxin), Ephedra is more likely to disturb the rhythm of the heart. Combining Ephedra with the blood pressure medication guanethidine (Ismelin) can dangerously exaggerate the herb's stimulative effects. A similar problem is possible when Ephedra is combined with drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate and the Parkinson's disease medication Eldepryl. The combination of Ephedra and ergot-based drugs such as migraine remedies Ergomar and Wigraine can result in high blood pressure.

  • Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996 ISBN 9-780751-303148
  • Plants For A Future - A Resource and Information Centre for Edible and other useful plants.