Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica)

Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica) is a member of the Ephedraceae family, native to China, Mongolia, and Central Asia. Traditionally, its stems, leaves, and shoots have been used for decoctions, powders, and infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its expectorant, stimulant, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, tibetan medicine, and japanese kampo medicine.

Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Ma Huang
Scientific Name	Ephedra sinica
Plant Family	Ephedraceae
Genus	Ephedra
Species	sinica
Native Range	China, Mongolia, Central Asia
Plant Parts Used	Stems, Leaves, Shoots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Expectorant, Stimulant, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tibetan Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Powder, Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Ephedra sinica
Common Name: Ma Huang
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Ephedra, Chinese Ephedra, Great Ephedra
Plant Family: Ephedraceae
Genus: Ephedra

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 meters.
Stems: Woody, erect, unbranched stems with a ridged surface and small, scale-like leaves arranged in a spiral pattern.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Tibetan Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Powder
Infusion
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Expectorant: In herbal literature, noted as a mild expectorant, in chest-related herbal contexts.
Stimulant: Commonly referenced as a gentle stimulant, in wakefulness-related contexts.
Diuretic: Traditionally described as a soothing diuretic, for moisture-related balance.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal texts, considered a warming anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.

Active Compounds

Alkaloid: A class of nitrogen-containing compounds produced by many plant species.
Terpenoid: A chemical class commonly associated with volatile plant constituents.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Glycoside: Plant-produced compounds commonly stored in inactive glycosylated forms.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: The use of this herb has been associated with reported contraindications in some situations.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: This herb has been associated with interactions when used alongside certain pharmaceutical medications.
Toxicity: Toxic effects have been reported in association with the use of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers sandy loam with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in moderate fertility soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.