Ephedra (Ephedra sinica Stapf) is a medicinal herb included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Its name is derived from its taste and color, as described in the Compendium of Materia Medica: “Its taste is麻 (麻 refers to a numbing sensation), and its color is yellow.” Ephedra has several other names: Grass Ephedra, Chinese Ephedra, and its Latin name is Ephedra sinica Stapf. The medicinal part of the herb is the dried stem of Ephedra sinica, Ephedra equisetina, and Ephedra intermedia. It is mainly produced in Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Shanxi, and other regions, harvested in late autumn, and then dried in the shade and cut into segments.
[Properties]: Warm, with a pungent and slightly bitter taste.
[Meridians]: Lung and Bladder meridians.
[Actions]: Induces sweating and dispels cold, opens the lungs and relieves wheezing, promotes urination and reduces swelling.
[Clinical Applications]: It is used to treat wind-cold colds, chest congestion, wheezing, water retention, and bronchial asthma.
[Dosage]: 3-10g in decoction. For inducing sweating and releasing the exterior, it is used raw; for relieving coughing and wheezing, it is used prepared by frying. When used in powdered form, it is milder for inducing sweating. Elderly, weak individuals, and children should use the fried Ephedra.
[Precautions]: Due to the strong sweating effect of Ephedra, it should be avoided or used with caution in cases of mild exterior wind-cold, palpitations, insomnia, and lung deficiency with cough and wheezing.