Ephedra major
Ma Huang
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Ephedraceae
- Genus
- Ephedra
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 2 m
- Spread
- 1 m
- Fertility
- self sterile
- Flower type
- dioecious
Uses
Edible uses
Fruit - raw.
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
Members of this genus contain various medicinally active alkaloids (but notably ephedrine) and they are widely used in preparations for the treatment of asthma and catarrh[5]. This species is the richest source of ephedrine in India, the stems containing over 2.5% total alkaloids, of which about 75% is ephedrine[6]. The whole plant can be used at much lower concentrations than the isolated constituents - unlike using the isolated ephedrine, using the whole plant rarely gives rise to side-effects[7]. The plant also has antiviral effects, particularly against influenza[5]. The stems are a pungent, bitter, warm herb that dilates the bronchial vessels whilst stimulating the heart and central nervous system[5]. The stems are also diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, hypertensive, nervine, pectoral, tonic, vasoconstrictor and vasodilator[2][3][5]. They are used internally in the treatment of asthma, hay fever and allergic complaints[5]. They are also combined with a number of other herbs and used in treating a wide range of complaints[5]. This herb should be used with great caution, preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[5]. It should not be prescribed to patients who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or suffering from high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism or glaucoma[5]. Ephedrine is seen as a performance-boosting herb and, as such, is a forbidden substance in many sporting events such as athletics[K]. The stems can be harvested at any time of the year and are dried for later use[5].
- Product or use
- Antiasthmatic
- Product or use
- Antidote
- Product or use
- Cardiac
- Product or use
- Diaphoretic
- Product or use
- Diuretic
- Product or use
- Febrifuge
- Product or use
- Nervine
- Product or use
- Pectoral
- Product or use
- Tonic
- Product or use
- Vasoconstrictor
- Product or use
- Vasodilator
Environment
- Range
- Europe to E. Asia - the Mediterranean to the Himalayas.
- Habitat
- Stony slopes and gravel terraces, often on limestone, in arid regions[4].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- drought
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- tolerant
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse[4]. It can also be sown in spring in a greenhouse in a sandy compost[K]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in the spring or early summer after the last expected frosts and give some protection in their first winter[K]. Division in spring or autumn[5]. Layering.
Cultivation
Requires a well-drained loamy soil and a sunny position[1]. Established plants are drought resistant and are also lime tolerant[4]. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if fruit and seed are required.
References
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.
Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00
Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148