Releases the Exterior and Disperses Wind-Cold For Wind-Cold excess patterns with fever, chills, headache, lack of sweating, and a tight, floating pulse. Opens the pores and induces sweating.
Stops Wheezing and Asthma Obstruction of Lung Qi due to exterior Wind-Cold or wheezing from an internal condition.
Reduces Edema and Promotes Urination Especially due to obstruction from external Wind-Cold pathogen.
Contraindications and Cautions
Long-term or overuse causes heavy sweating and weakens the body. May also raise blood pressure, do not use if patient has insomnia, spontaneous sweating, high blood pressure, or cardiac arrhythmias. Toasting with honey reduces the dispersing nature of this herb.
Herb-Drug Interactions
Ma Huang contains ephedrine and pseudoephedrine which interferes with Sympathomimic (anti-seizure) and Cariovascular drugs.
Ma Huang (Ephedra) and MAOI can cause dangerously high blood pressure. FDA proposed a dosage limit of 8 mg every 6 hours (or a total of 24 mg per day) and not more than 7 days of continuous use.
Toxicity and Overdose
There has been 3 reported cases of ephedrine toxicity, after ingestion of 15ml of a 1% solution. Symptoms included diaphoresis, epigastric pain, vomiting, nausea, and temperature elevation.
Dosage
3-9 grams.
Part used: Twigs or stems.
Notes
Cook first and remove foam from the surface of decoction.
Use raw for exterior wind-cold, coat with honey to treat asthma.
This herb is considered endangered, toxic, or is illegal in the United States
Comments
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Ma huang has been abused and therefor is not available.
Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist. Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.
Herb 8 of 16 in Warm, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
