Names: Cao Mahuang, Desert Herb, Ephedrae herba, Ephedra sinensis, Herbal Ecstasy, Joint Fir, Mahuang, Ma Huang, Ma-Huang, Mahuanggen (ma huang root), Muzei Mahuang, Popotillo, Sea Grape, Teamster's Tea, Yellow Astringent, Yellow Horse, Zhong Mahuang.

Properties:

release exterior, disperse cold – wind-cold, chills, fever, headache, no sweating
helps move lung Qi – controls wheezing, cough
promotes urination – reduce edema

Dosage: 3 – 9g.

Western Phytotherapy

Orally, ephedra can be used for weight loss and increase athletic performance. It is also used for allergies and allergic rhinitis; nasal congestion; and respiratory tract conditions such as bronchospasm, asthma, and bronchitis. It is also used orally for colds, flu, fever, chills, headache, edema, anhidrosis, joint and bone pain, and as a diuretic for edema.

Safety:

Use of ephedra can cause severe life-threatening or disabling adverse effects in some people. Reports have linked long term ephedra use to hypertension, myocardial infarction, seizure, stroke.