> Supplement Index > Ma Huang / Ephedra / Ephedra sinensis > Ma Huang General Information Ma Huang Uses & Scientific Evidence For Ma Huang Dosage Information Ma Huang Safety & Interaction Information Buy Ma Huang Supplements and Products - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Ma Huang General Information Ma Huang is a Chinese herb and a member of a primitive family of plants that look like thick, branching, connected straws. Ephedra nevadensis is a related species that grows wild in the American Southwest and is widely called “Mormon tea.” The stems of most Ephedra species contain the alkaloid ephedrine which is very valuable in the treatment of asthma and many other respiratory complaints. The stems are anti-viral, antidote, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, blood purifier, diuretic, pectoral, febrifuge, vasodilator, stimulant, and tonic. The young stems are best if eaten raw, though older stems can be used to make a medicinal tea. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Ma Huang Uses & Scientific Evidence For Chinese herbalists use Ma Huang during the early stages of respiratory infections and also for the short-term treatment of certain kinds of asthma, eczema, hay fever, narcolepsy, and edema. The Ephedra plant also has antiviral effects, particularly against influenza. Unlike using the isolated or synthesized ephedrine, using the whole plant in alternative medicine is much more effective and rarely gives rise to serious side-effects. Ephedra is widely used to enhance weight loss and to increase energy and endurance. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Ma Huang Dosage Information For best results, read and follow product label directions. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Ma Huang Safety & Interaction Information Caution is advised in using Ma Huang as an overdose can cause high blood pressure, racing of the heart, confusion, nervous stupor, twitching, convolutions and in serious cases even death. This herb should not be used by people who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or suffering from high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or dehydration. When exercising it is imperative to insure proper hydration, especially when using Ephedra. Do not take during pregnancy or while breast feeding. The synthetic form of Ephedra is a main constituent in Ephedrine and has given Ephedra a bad reputation due to its misuse. Ephedrine is seen as a performance-boosting herb but is a forbidden substance in many organized sporting events and athletics. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - Buy Ma Huang Supplements and Products Below US & International Shipping Restrictions on Ephedrine / Ephedra Supplements: To review delivery and shipping restrictions, Click here if ordering for delivery to certain US Domiciles, including Illinois & New York or Click here for delivery outside of the USA.