subject: Herbal Ephedra Or Ma Huang Information [print this page] Herbal Ephedra is more popularly known as Ma Huang and is believed to be from the family of the herbs well known as the Ephedracae or Ephedra Sinica that naturally occurring in the deserts of Chinese region for over 5000 years now.
The ancient Chinese healthcare providers were said to use this wonder herb for treating specific conditions of asthma as well as several upper respiratory related infections or disorders. Varieties of herbs are also found to be widely grown in Europe, India, Australia and Afghanistan. However, the Ephedra from the United States mostly belonging to the dry south-west regions was generally used as tea by the ancient settlers and was recognized as Mormon Tea or Squaw Tea.
It is said that they were also used for treating headaches, fevers, colds and hay fevers. Whereas, some specific compounds extracted from this very herbs are widely found in most of the OTC (Over-the-Counter) products being sold as Anti-allergic or Anti-Colds and Cough Expectorants, all over the world today.
Herbal Ephedra is said to contain a couple of alkaloids popularly known as Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine, of which Ephedrine is the key constituent and is a proven excellent bronchodilator as well as stimulant of the sensitive nervous system of the human body.
It also has the most significant anti-spasmodic qualities that effect on the air passage by relieving swelling in mucus membranes. Similarly Pseudoephedrine is also proved nasal decongestant and having lesser stimulating effects on the heart as well as the blood pressure. These alkaloids are well in use for treating bronchial asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, continuous coughing, wheezing and even shortness of breath.
Herbal Ephedra is found helping the body to break fevers and clear the blocked sinuses also. The alkaloids are also very effective in treating allergic skin reactions of various types, several body aches, treatment of low blood pressure, rheumatism as well as even narcolepsy, besides its excellent properties of weight losing and energy boosting supplements.
