Ma huang

Traditionally, Ma Huang or Ephedra has been used for respiratory disorders such as asthma and hay fever. In the United States, ephedra is commonly used in weight loss formulas. This application is much different than the Asian method of using this herb. If the metabolism is sluggish, then this herb is used for a short period of time. However, many people rely on this herb being the “magic pill”, without making the necessary lifestyle changes. Many individuals with the “more is better” mindset, tend to take too much ephedra for prolonged periods of time, thus weakening the adrenal glands and causing imbalance within the body. This abuse of ephedra is just how an herb that has been used for centuries amongst highly skilled herbalists, when in the wrong hands and  marketed irresponsibly, end up giving this herb a bad name.

The active constituent, ephedrine, was isolated in 1887, this herb did not become popular with U.S. physicians until 1924 for its broncho-dilating and decongesting properties. In general, Ephedra sinica tends to contain the highest amount of ephedrine, whereas Mormon tea or Ephedra nevadensis contains little or no ephedrine.