Ephedra

Formal name

ephedra sinica

Other names

Ma huang; Chinese ephedra; Chinese jointfir

Description

A broom-like shrub in the Ephedra family, related to the conifers, ephedra grows in arid places but is also widely cultivated for its content of the stimulant alkaloid, ephedrine.

Part used

stems

Dosage

1 cup 2-3 x daily; 1-2 droppersful 2-3 x daily; 2-3 tablets 2-3 x daily as directed
Wikipedia article
CategoryCorrespondences
Body systemscardiovascular, nervous, respiratory
Herb actionbronchodilator, vasodilator
Herb categoryheroic, specific
Herbal energywarm
Herbal preparationdecoction, extract, tincture
Herbal tastebitter, mild