Ephedra

Date: Dec 17, 2019
Source: This Site
Author: Site Editor

Herba Ephedrae
Ephedra
Mahuang

麻黃

Source
The herbaceous stem of Ephedra sinica Stapf (Fam. Ephedraceae).

Distribution
Mainly in Chinese provinces such as Shanxi and Shaanxi, and in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and Ningxia.

Harvest & Processing
Collect green herbaceous stems in autumn and dry under the sun.

Description
Stem slender and cylindrical, with few branches; 1-2mm in diameter. Outer surface pale green to yellowish-green, marked with fine, slightly rough longitudinal ridges. Nodes prominent, internodes 2-6 cm long. On the nodes are membranous scale leaves 3-4 mm long and with 2 lobes (very occasionally 3), each lobe the shape of an acute triangle, with greyish-white apex curling downwards and tubular reddish-brown base. Light in weight; brittle, breaks easily. When broken, surface slightly fibrous, with a yellowish-green rim and suborbicular (almost round) reddish-brown pith. Odour: slightly fragrant; taste: astringent and slightly bitter.

Indications
1. Common cold, fever with anhidrosis
2. Cough and dyspnoea
3. Oedema

Chemical Composition
Mainly contains alkaloids such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

Note
According to C.P., also used for medicinal purposes is the herbaceous stem of E. intermediaSchrenk et C.A.Mey. and E.equisetina Bge.

Photos