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The Chinese have used this herb for centuries. It is used as the dried stem. There are three species found in desert regions of north and northwestern China. There are also 9 species of this plant and two hybrids in the North American deserts that do not contain the alkaloids associated with the Chinese or Asian species.
Traditionally Ma-Huang was used for severe colds, non-sweat fevers, joint pain, coughing and shortness of breathe, bronchial asthma, flu, chills, headache, congestion and edema.
Currently this herb is used as a stimulant for the central nervous system and heart muscle. The alkaloids in ephedra, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine dialate the bronchail tubes and also elevate blood pressure. Both of these alkaloids come from the Ma-Huang and are sold in synthetic forms commercially. In which the Pseudoephedrine has weaker effects than that of the Ephedra. These alkaloids are used in the bronchodialators for seasonal and chronic asthma and found in products that relieve sinusitis,nasal congestion, allergies and colds many of which you may find over the counter.
Ma-Huang is also found in several weight loss products and stimulants in which are serverely misused.
Currently Ma-Huang can be found in American supermarkets in their crude dried stem form to drink as a tea. But are used mostly in capsule or tablet form.
Ask your doctor for the recommended dosage of this type of herb. Most over the counter products have a recommended dosage on the package in which it would be advisable to follow the recommended dosages and times.
CAUTION!
There are many things to be aware of by taking this type of herb and its alkaloids. (Doctors may not recommend this for some types of individuals with medical problems or while pregnant, so make sure again that you ask your doctor beforehand). Abuse of this herb may have many side effects such as insomnia, motor disturbances, high blood pressure, urinary disturbances, disturbed cerebral circulations and glaucoma. There have been many reported deaths due to abuse of ephedra and its alkaloids.
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