Ephedra
Description:
Ephedra of Ma Huang is a perennial herb belonging to the gymnosperms. the plant is made up of a slender aerial green stems with small vestigial leaves. Ephedra has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years for bronchial spasms and as a stimulant for the sympathetic nervous system.
Pharmacology:
Ephedra is a source of ephedrine, an alkaloid similar to adrenaline in its ability to excite the sympathetic nervous system. Ephedrine was used earlier in the century as a cure as a cure for asthma since it relaxes airways. But the isolated drug fell in disfavor when it was found to raise blood pressure. The whole plant however contains a mixture of alkaloids which counteract the activities of ephedrine, resulting in a safer and more balance action. Ephedradines and pseudoephedrine lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate while still relaxing smooth muscle and opening the respiratory system.
Historical Uses:
- Bronchodilator
- Circulatory system stimulant
- Appetite reducer
- Diuretic
- Anti-allergic
- Cough in feverish states
- Asthma bronchial, catarrh in upper respiratory tract
- Urticaria
- Enuresis
- Hypotension
- Nasal congestion
- Chills and "cold" fevers
Active Properties:
- Ephedra has been used in China and Europe to treat asthma, hayfever, allergies, and arthritis, to break fevers, clear blocked sinuses, raise blood pressure, and increase alertness and perception. Ephedra is a stimulant of the sympathetic nervous system which controls the "Fight or Flight" response of the body.
Toxicity, Cautions and Contra-Indications:
- Contraindicated at high or medium elevated blood pressure. Should not be taken together with other CNS stimulants or circulatory agents (digitoxin, beta-blockers, etc.). A single high dose could result in irregular heart beats. Should not be used by persons who have anxiety disorder (panic attacks), glaucoma, heart disease, or high blood pressure, or who are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor drugs, commonly prescribed for depression.
References:
- Rebecca Flynn, M.S. and Mark Roest, (1995) Your Guide to Standardized Herbal Products. pp 22-23.
- James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., (1997) Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Edition.
