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Chinese Herbs "Kidney Jing is the basis for Kidney Qi" 
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Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

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Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Ma Huang (Ephedra Stem)

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Warm Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae)

Channels:
LU, BL

Properties:
Spicy, Slightly Bitter, Warm

Latin Name:
Herba Ephedrae


Ma Huang means "Hemp Yellow"

Actions

  • 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 Appears in the Following Formulas:


Go to the Endangered/Toxic List This herb is considered endangered, toxic, or is illegal in the United States

References

Herbs

Formulas

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Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.


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