| Common Name |
Ephedra |
| Latin Name |
Ephedra sinica |
| Family |
Ephedraceae |
| Part Used |
Aerial stems |
| Gathering Time |
Gather the young brances in the Fall
before the first frost when the alkaoid
content is high |
| Constituents |
Alkaloids which include ephedrine, norephdrine, tannins, sapponin, flavone,
essential oil |
| Actions |
Vasodilator, hypertensive, circulatory
stimulant, anti-allergic |
| Common Uses |
Used primarily for asthma and conditions
where the bronchial tubes are restricted.
Can also be used for allergic reaction where
breathing becomes restricted. |
| Contraindications |
High blood pressure, heart conditions,
anxiety, insommnia. |
| Possible Drug Interactions |
Increased arrithmias when used
concurrently with halothane anesthetics.
Potentiates other stimulants such as
caffeinated products. Has caused
hypertensive crisis when used with MAOIs. |
| Overdose Symptoms |
Can cause complications from elevated
blood pressure and increased heart rate. Has
unfortunately been used as a "recreation
drug" by individuals looking for a "natural
high" and as a "natural" herbal weight loss
product. In these extreme cases, overdose
can lead to cardiac failure and death. |
|
Click
HERE
to search
PubMed for scientific citations. |
