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ma huang
Scientific Name: Ephedra equisetina
Family: Ephedraceae
Category: Gymnosperm
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica)
Considerations for Pets
- Ma Huang has been reported to cause serious side effects.
Considerations for Children
- Ma Huang has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5000 years.
Common Names
- Ma Huang
- Chinese Ephedra
Scientific Name
- Ephedra sinica
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Ephedraceae (also referred to as the Ephedra family)
- Synonyms: Herba Ephedrae
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to China.
- Also found in the Mediterranean region, India, Persia, and the western portion of South America.
- Grows in the steppes of north and northwestern China.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Jointed green stems are the chief photosynthetic organs.
- Tiny, scale-like, opposite leaves that only function briefly.
- Small shrub.
- Perennial and primitive shrub.
Traditional Uses and History
- Has a 5000-year history of use in Chinese medicine, especially as an asthma treatment.
- Used to treat asthma, nose, and lung ailments.
- Used to brew tea.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Used in conjunction with other herbs.