Ephedra Sinensis
Pinyin Mandarin Name
Ma Huang
Common English Name
Ephedra
Part of Plant Used
Twigs and stems
Nature
Warm
Taste
Acrid, bitter
Meridians Entered
Lungs, Bladder
Common Usages
Ephedra is one of the major herbs used to treat wheezing (TCM: poor Lung Qi circulation). It is also used in formulas that induce sweating where there are symptoms of fever with no sweating, together with chills and headache (TCM: exterior cold); also used to treat asthma and allergies (TCM: wind-cold conditions).医学全.在线www.med126.com
Traditional Usages and Functions
eleases exterior and disperses cold; facilitates normal circulation of Lung Qi and controls wheezing; promotes urination and reduces edema.
Common Formulas Used In
Ma Huang; Pueraria Combination.
Processing Required
-
Remarks
Avoid using at night. Ephedra is a mild stimulant and may interfere with sleep, especially if the person already has insomnia.
Cautions in Use
Do not use this herb where there is high blood pressure or cardiac asthma. Use with caution in deficient conditions with chronic sweating or wheezing.
