Ephedra (Ma Huang)
Ephedra sinica
A classic TCM 'wind-cold' herb (ma huang) that opens the airways — the natural source of ephedrine.
Traditional use (tcm): A classic TCM 'wind-cold' herb (ma huang) that opens the airways — the natural source of ephedrine.
A classic TCM 'wind-cold' herb (ma huang) that opens the airways — the natural source of ephedrine.
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- A classic TCM 'wind-cold' herb (ma huang) that opens the airways — the natural source of ephedrine.
Evidence strength: stronger human.
- See the evidence level above
- Powerful stimulant: dangerous rises in blood pressure and heart rate, arrhythmia, stroke; banned for weight loss in many countries.
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Pregnancy
- Weight-loss use
Powerful stimulant: dangerous rises in blood pressure and heart rate, arrhythmia, stroke; banned for weight loss in many countries.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.
Effective for the lungs in traditional formulas, but the cardiovascular risks are serious and well documented.